Junior Specialist - Brostoff

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California is seeking a junior specialist to join a laboratory focused on host immune responses in infectious disease and cancer. The role combines hands-on experimental work with lab management, biorepository cataloguing, and trainee support in a collaborative setting at UC Davis.

Responsibilities include executing molecular biology and virology techniques, spectroscopy, and machine learning applications, as well as maintaining safety and regulatory standards within the lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field is required.
• Previous laboratory experience is required.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours (<5%)

Responsibilities

• Perform experimental research including PBMC isolation, culture, intracellular cytokine staining, and flow cytometry.
• Carry out Raman spectroscopy on biofluid samples and apply machine learning for sample characterization.
• Catalogue and maintain the lab’s biorepository using Freezerworks; assist with data analysis and manuscript preparation.
• Support lab management: ordering supplies, safety records, and trainee supervision.
• Occasionally work outside standard business hours (<5% of time).

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, biomedical engineering, or related field

Tools

Freezerworks

Flow cytometer

Job description

The junior specialist will participate in publishable research focusing on host immune responses to both infectious disease and cancer. This research will use a very broad variety of research techniques in molecular biology and virology as well as spectroscopy and machine learning. General responsibilities will primarily include execution of research projects, laboratory management, biorepository cataloguing and maintenance of freezer organization, and assisting trainees in the laboratory. The candidate must exhibit exceptional organizational and interpersonal communication skills and must be willing to work as part of a team.

Research (80%):

• Experimental research: A successful candidate will be able to perform laboratory techniques including peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation and culture, intracellular cytokine staining, and flow cytometry. The candidate will perform Raman spectroscopy on biofluid samples collected from the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with subsequent application of machine learning to automate sample characterization. The candidate will be expected to perform these techniques independently. The candidate will also be responsible for cataloguing and maintaining the lab's biorepository of tissue samples and fluids using Freezerworks software. The individual may also assist with data analysis, generation of publication quality figures, and manuscript writing.
• Laboratory management: In addition to experimental research, the candidate will be expected to assist with lab management, including ordering supplies, maintaining safety and training records, maintaining a clean laboratory environment, and provide overall support for ongoing experiments. The candidate will provide hands-on support for trainees in the lab as well.
• It will be occasionally necessary to work outside of standard business hours to accommodate certain laboratory techniques. This will represent less than 5% of the candidate’s total average work hours per month.

Professional competence (10%):

The candidate will be expected to participate in lab meetings and journal club, with the ability to critically evaluate literature and present scientific data in these meetings as well as presenting data during individual meetings with the PI.

University and public service (10%):

As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements of the university. There will be a focus on University and public service outreach and extension with a focus on topics related to their research.

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, biomedical engineering, or related field
• Previous laboratory experience