Junior Specialist - Plant Transformation Facility (PTF)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 78,226,000 - 83,381,000; Part time

Job summary

UC Davis's Plant Transformation Facility is seeking a Junior Specialist for a 50% appointment to support genome editing research on the main campus starting Fall 2026, with a duration of one year and potential renewal depending on funding. The role focuses on molecular biology, plant development, and transformation.

Responsibilities include hands-on work with CRISPR-edited plants, DNA extractions, PCR, vector design, data management, and presenting results at lab meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics or related field.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, and cloning.
• Experience conducting experiments and collecting data in a research environment.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plant, care, analyze, and harvest plants from CRISPR-edited lines in growth chamber and greenhouse.
• Collect samples and perform DNA extractions; genotype by PCR and gel analysis; prepare libraries for sequencing.
• Design and generate vectors for CRISPR gene editing projects.
• Maintain lab notebooks and data files; coordinate waste pickups and inventory.
• Prepare data figures and contribute to project reports; present results at lab meetings.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR techniques

Lab data collection

Written & oral communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Plant sciences/ Plant biology/ Genetics

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $27.30 hourly rate at Step 1 or $29.08 hourly rate at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date: September 14, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Mar 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The Plant Transformation Facility (PTF) in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a 50% position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2026. This position is located on the UC Davis main campus and has a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal pending funding availability.

Research in the PTF centers on developing and improving genome editing technologies in plants. The Junior Specialist will provide technical and scientific support to the research program in the specific areas of molecular biology, plant development and plant transformation.

Major responsibilities and designated areas of expertise

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

1. Plant, care, analyze, and harvest plants obtained through CRISPR gene editing in the growth chamber and the greenhouse.
2. Collect samples and perform large-scale DNA extractions from different plants species and tissues generated at PTF, including grape, strawberry, tomato, lettuce, wheat, barley. Genotype plants by PCR, analysis of the PCR in agarose gel, and prepare libraries for amplicon sequencing. Incumbent will analyze and report the results.
3. Design and generate vectors for CRISPR gene editing projects.
4. Maintain lab notebooks and data files for all research activities.
5. Help record and update the lab chemical inventory, maintain the proper operation of instruments, and coordinate waste pickups.
6. Contribute to the development of project reports and manuscripts by preparing data figures and tables as well as reviewing drafts of reports and manuscripts. The Junior Specialist will also conduct literature reviews relevant to the research topic using electronic databases and journal articles. In addition, the Junior Specialist will present research results at lab meetings where all lab members will be present.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

The Jr. Specialist will participate in the annual Plant Sciences Symposium as a poster presenter.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will participate in outreach activities led by the Manager of PTF.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• A. Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
• B. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions from plant tissues, PCR reactions, and cloning.
• C. Experience in conducting experiments and collecting data in a research environment.
• D. Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• E. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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

• F. Strong academic performance during undergraduate studies.
• G. Strong background in plant molecular biology and growth.
• H. At least one year of previous lab experience in biochemistry, gene editing, and plant genotyping and phenotyping.
• I. Skills in statistical analysis are strongly preferred for data analysis and interpretation.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (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 required (contact information only)

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: Affi...

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.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

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, California