Junior Specialist - Segarra Lab

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Segarra Lab. The role includes fish husbandry, exposure experiments, behavioral and physiological assays, and data collection in lab and field settings.

The successful candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, at least one year of research experience, and strong English communication skills. Evening/weekend work and field travel are required.

Qualifications

• At least one year of laboratory or field research experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fish husbandry and sample processing for experiments.
• Perform contaminant exposures and environmental-tolerance assays.
• Maintain experimental systems and record data accurately.
• Assist with field sampling and transport of live fish as needed.
• Contribute to reports, SOPs, and research documentation.

Skills

Laboratory experience

English communication

Excel/Word

Independence

Team collaboration

Fieldwork experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in fisheries sciences / biology / ecology

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $4,750.00 per month, at step 1, or $5,058.33 per month, at step 2.

Application Window

Open date: September 3, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Oct 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 Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a qualified Junior Specialist with the Segarra Lab.

Research in the Segarra Lab focuses on understanding how fish respond to environmental change and anthropogenic stressors. Our research examines the effects of environmental contaminants and stressors such as temperature and salinity using physiological and behavioral endpoints, complemented by molecular approaches, with applications to fish health and conservation.

The position includes fish husbandry, experimental exposures, behavioral and physiological assays, fish handling and dissection, biological sample processing, and data collection.

Laboratory studies will include controlled exposures to environmental contaminants, including insecticides and other chemicals, and experiments evaluating fish responses to temperature and salinity. The incumbent will conduct behavioral and environmental‑tolerance assays. The position will also involve building and maintaining aquaria and experimental systems, including associated plumbing.

Field activities will include fish transport and collection of biological and environmental samples. Some field work will be conducted from boats and under variable weather conditions. Field work may involve carrying loaded coolers and other research materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.

Work will occur in both temperature‑controlled facilities and wet‑laboratory spaces where temperatures may vary considerably. Because fish care and experimental schedules do not always fall within regular working hours, the incumbent will be required to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Travel between research facilities and/or field locations is part of the position. A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

The successful candidate should be organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and have strong problem‑solving and communication skills. The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to contribute to research reports and scientific publications and to present research findings at scientific or technical meetings.

The duties of this position are designated as follows:

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will contribute to the preparation and execution of laboratory and field studies in consultation with the PI and other research personnel. Research duties will include fish husbandry; contaminant exposures; behavioral and environmental‑tolerance experiments; fish handling, euthanasia, dissection, and sample processing; maintenance of experimental systems; field sampling; and collection, organization, quality control, and summary of research data. The incumbent will participate in discussions of experimental methods and results and contribute to reports, publications, animal‑use documentation, SOPs, and other research records. Additional responsibilities include helping maintain supplies, equipment, and laboratory spaces necessary for ongoing research.

Professional Competence (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in laboratory and project discussions and may attend scientific or technical meetings, interact with collaborators and resource‑management agencies, and present research findings as appropriate.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist may assist with training and mentoring undergraduate or junior research personnel and participate in departmental, University, laboratory, or outreach activities.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Required at time of start

• A Bachelors degree in fisheries sciences, biology, ecology, conservation, toxicology, marine science, physiology, behavior, or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant research methods by the time of appointment.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Required at time of start

• At least one year of laboratory or field research experience.
• Experience collecting and organizing biological or experimental data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word or comparable software.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and safe handling of potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work directly with live fish, including handling, euthanasia, and dissection.
• Ability to conduct field work under variable weather and environmental conditions.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for experiments and fish care.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

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

• Experience working with fish, particularly salmonids, smelt, or sturgeon.
• Experience with fish husbandry, aquaculture systems, and water‑quality monitoring.
• Experience conducting fish experiments, aquatic toxicology studies, or controlled contaminant exposures.
• Experience with physiological or environmental‑tolerance assays, including thermal, hypoxia, or salinity challenges.
• Experience conducting fish behavioral assays and/or using EthoVision XT, DanioVision, DanioScope, or similar systems.
• Experience with fish dissection, biological sample collection and processing, and standard fisheries measurements.
• Experience building and maintaining aquaria, plumbing, and experimental systems using basic hand and power tools.
• Experience transporting live fish and/or conducting field research.
• Experience working from boats in rivers, lakes, or other aquatic environments.
• Completion of a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent boating‑safety certification.
• Experience with R or other statistical software.
• Experience preparing SOPs or supporting laboratory organization and safety.
• Experience training, supervising, or coordinating students or other research personnel.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• 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.
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-4 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: Affiliation 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.

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, CA