Junior Specialist: Developmental Neuroscience - Simo/La Torre Lab

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at UC Davis, School of Medicine, invite applications for a one (1) full‑time Junior Specialist in developmental neuroscience. Position is a short‑term appointment up to two years, working with PI on planning and executing research projects.

Responsibilities include hands‑on lab work with neuronal development studies, maintaining and breeding mice, immunohistological assays, data analysis and manuscript preparation, plus participation in seminars and meetings on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology, Cell Biology or related field; degree awarded before start date.
• Minimum of 3‑month laboratory research experience; no more than 2 years post‑bachelor's experience.
• Research experience in PCR‑based genotyping, histological techniques, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy and western blotting.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and make critical decisions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the PI to plan and execute research projects.
• Assist in data collection, entry, quality control, study design and data analysis.
• Review scientific literature and prepare manuscripts or conference materials.
• Attend weekly lab meetings and department seminars; present results or relevant articles.

Skills

Independent work

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology / Cell Biology or related field

Tools

PCR genotyping

Histological techniques

shRNA cloning

Cell culture

Microscopy

Western blotting

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: Non-exempt: $27.30 per hour (Step 1) or $29.08 per hour (Step 2)

Exempt: $57,000 per year (Step 1) or $60,700 per year (Step 2)

Application Window

Open date: August 26, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, are recruiting for a one (1) full‑time, Junior Specialist(s) in the field of developmental neuroscience. Junior Specialist positions are short‑term appointments, up to two‑years.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for a particular project.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), and other research personnel, on studies related to developmental neuroscience. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) in specialized areas. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The selected candidate is expected to work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members on research projects related to neuronal development, neuron migration, and nervous system morphogenesis. The candidate will plan and execute experiments including maintaining and breeding mice, collect samples, perform immunohistological assays, image and record data, and genotyping. The candidate will also play a key role in animal inventory and care, maintaining lab supplies, and general laboratory organization.
• The candidate is expected to actively communicate with the PI to design, execute, and analyze data from research projects the candidate is directly involved with. Moreover, the candidate is expected to review and be up to date with scientific literature related to their project from appropriate journals, including but not limited to: Development, Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and Developmental Cell.
• The candidate will participate in weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars such as Research in Progress seminars, and other relevant research seminars on campus. In these meetings, the candidate will: present their own research results or recent research journal articles relevant to the projects and/or engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.

1. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

   In a later stage of employment, the candidate is expected to attend and present data in regional conferences or retreats with the topics on developmental neurobiology. Additionally, the candidate will assist the PI in reviewing research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

2. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

   The Simo and La Torre labs have several undergraduate researchers and the incumbent will provide mentorship to these undergraduate students.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: (The basic qualifications must be evaluable from the CV and/or Cover Letter.)

• Bachelor's Degree in Neurobiology, Cell Biology or related field. Degree must be awarded before start date. Applicants with an M.S. or Ph.D. will not be considered, as this is an entry‑level role.
• Minimum of 3‑month experience in laboratory research either before or after the degree. Applicants should have no more than 2 years of post‑bachelor's laboratory research experience.
• Research experience in PCR‑based genotyping, histological techniques, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy and western blotting is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience using cell‑based assays to study the role of miRNAs during developmental biology is preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Help contact

[e-mail]

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affaimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco‑free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

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The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA