Junior Specialist- Yellowley Genetos Lab

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

Job summary

The University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist with the Yellowley/Genetos Labs to support a collaborative skeletal health project. The successful candidate will plan and execute experiments on mice with various genetic mutations.

Responsibilities include tissue dissection, cell isolation, microCT, histology, immunostaining and data analysis. The role also involves training undergraduates, maintaining notebooks, preparing figures for publication, and

Qualifications

• BS in molecular and cellular biology or a related field.
• At least 3 months of lab experience.
• Must keep a detailed laboratory notebook and document data for publication and/or presentations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute tissue collection from mice with various genetic mutations.
• Perform tissue dissection, cell isolation, microCT, histology and immunostaining.
• Review scientific literature, attend and present at lab meetings, and assist in data analyses.

Skills

Molecular biology

Tissue processing

Histology

PCR

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology

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: November 4, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Nov 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Friday, Dec 18, 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 Yellowley/Genetos Labs.

The Yellowley and Genetos Labs are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to be involved in a collaborative project focused on skeletal health.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments involving tissue collection from mice with a variety of genetic mutations in the skeletal system. This will involve tissue dissection, cell isolation, microCT, tissue cryo- and paraffin sectioning, histological staining, immunostainings, and in situ hybridizations. In addition, in vitro experiments will involve culture of skeletal cell lines, exposure of cells to chemical or physical stimuli, isolation of RNA and protein for PCR and Western blotting, immunocytochemical staining and immunoprecipitation.

The candidate is expected to review the scientific literature, attend and present their work at lab, and Veterinary Orthopedic Group research meetings.

The candidate will collect and help summarize laboratory data, keep a detailed laboratory notebook, and will assist in data analyses as appropriate. The candidate is expected to help prepare figures for publication.

The candidate is expected to assist in training undergraduate and rotation students as appropriate.

The successful candidate should be organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and have strong problem solving and communication skills. Additional responsibilities include helping maintain supplies, equipment, and laboratory spaces necessary for ongoing research. The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Professional Competence (5%)

The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to participate in local 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, 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 histology, 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 musculoskeletal biology is preferred. Experience with tissue dissection and collection, histology, microscopy, 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

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: Affemative 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