Junior Specialist - Weber 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 Weber Lab to study vertebra morphogenesis in mouse and jerboa. The role involves planning and executing experiments, tissue collection, histology, and in situ techniques, with opportunities to mentor students.

The position emphasizes rigorous lab management, documentation, and collaboration with the PI, plus presenting at meetings and contributing to publications, all within a supportive academic environment at

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology or related field, with at least 3 months of lab experience.
• Must be able to keep a detailed lab notebook and document data for publications and presentations.
• Willingness to learn new skills and work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute mouse and jerboa tissue collection during vertebra formation, including animal husbandry, genotyping, tissue processing, staining, and in situ methods.
• Review literature and design new experiments in collaboration with the PI; present work at lab meetings and contribute to manuscript preparation.
• Assist in lab management, ordering supplies, maintaining space, and coordinating animal colony maintenance and safety compliance.
• Mentor undergraduate lab assistants and participate in departmental meetings and activities.

Skills

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Interpersonal communication

Decision-making

Independent work

Education

BSc in molecular/cellular biology or developmental biology

Tools

PCR

DNA extraction

Plasmid preps

Immunostaining

In situ hybridization

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $4,750.00 per month, at step 1, or $5,058.33 per month, at step 2.

Application Window

• Open date: August 27, 2026
• Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
• 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 Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a qualified Junior Specialist with the Weber Lab.

The Weber Lab is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to be involved in a project identifying mechanisms of vertebra morphogenesis in mouse and jerboa.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments involving mouse and jerboa tissue collection during key phases of vertebra formation. This will include animal husbandry, genotyping, tissue microdissection, tissue cryo- and paraffin sectioning, histological staining, immunostainings, and in situ hybridizations. In addition, the candidate is expected to review the scientific literature, and in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, formulate new hypotheses and design and conduct new experiments. The candidate is also expected to attend and present their work at lab and group research meetings, as well as help prepare figures and assist in writing manuscripts for publication.

The Junior Specialist will be expected to assist in lab management, animal colony maintenance, and coordination of supplies needed for the successful day-to-day running of the lab. This will include keeping track of and ordering supplies, maintaining the lab space, and assisting with jerboa colony maintenance and husbandry. The candidate will also be involved in animal use protocol reporting and compliance, help ensure that safety regulations are met, and assist in training undergraduate and rotation students as appropriate.

Professional Competence (5%)

The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to participate in local and regional meetings and attend seminars as appropriate.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate lab assistants working in the lab, and participate in laboratory, departmental, and group meetings, and other activities as applicable.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Bachelors of Science degree in molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology or a related field, with at least 3 months of previous lab experience. The ideal candidate will have: strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, interpersonal communication skills, decision‑making skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Experience must include some molecular and/or tissue processing skills such as PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid preps or immunostaining and in situ hybridization. The ideal candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook, be able to document data for publication and/or presentations and be willing to learn new skills.

Preferred qualifications

Previous experience or coursework in studying development and evolution or musculoskeletal anatomy and biology is preferred. Experience with animal maintenance, dissection and tissue collection, histology, microscopy, sequence programs and coding is preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 2-3 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: Affir­mative 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