Junior Specialist - Edinger Lab

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 194,800; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine's Edinger Lab in the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology invites applications for a Junior Specialist. Duties include designing and performing diverse cell and molecular biology experiments under supervision of the PI and senior personnel.

The ideal candidate will have experience with mammalian cell culture, qRT-PCR and/or mouse tumor studies; strong organizational skills, teamwork, and self-motivation are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with at least a subset of the listed molecular biology techniques.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others and be highly self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform diverse cell and molecular biology experiments under the supervision of the PI and senior laboratory personnel.
• Complete and accurate record keeping of both laboratory work and administrative activities.
• Collaborate with team members to advance project goals.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

qRT-PCR

Molecular cloning

Gel electrophoresis

Western blotting

CRISPR-Cas9

Viral transduction

Fluorescence microscopy

Mouse tumor models

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range

A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $194,800. See Specialist Series – Represented Fiscal Year, Exempt and Specialist Series – Represented Fiscal Year, Non-Exempt.

Application Window

Open date: March 3, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 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 Edinger Lab in the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and the University of California, Irvine invites applications for a Junior Specialist. Duties for this position will entail designing and performing diverse cell and molecular biology experiments under the supervision of the PI and senior laboratory personnel. Techniques employed in this cancer biology laboratory include molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, qRT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene‑knockdown, viral transduction for over‑expression, fluorescence microscopy, and mouse tumor models. Previous experience with at least a subset of these techniques is essential. Complete and accurate record keeping of both laboratory work and administrative activities will be an important part of this position.

The ideal candidate will have experience performing mammalian cell culture, qRT-PCR and/or with performing mouse tumor studies. A successful candidate will have a strong working understanding of molecular biology, excellent organizational skills, work well with others, and will be highly self‑motivated. Those considering attending graduate or professional school in the future are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional information about Dr. Edinger and the lab can be found at the lab website.

References should be available upon request.

Lab: https://edingerlab.bio.uci.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Accepting all applications.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Reflective Teaching and Mentoring Statement - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement . (Optional)
• Summary of past research accomplishments and future goal

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

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 or laws 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: Affiliation propg .

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

Irvine, CA