Specialist Position - Hochbaum Lab

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

Job summary

UC Irvine's Hochbaum research group in the Samueli School of Engineering anticipates a one-year Specialist Series appointment for an experienced microbiology researcher. The role focuses on an industry-sponsored project to commercialize rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing tech.

It requires teamwork, cross-disciplinary communication, and strong lab management to deliver milestones. Ideal candidates have B.S./M.S./Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Strong teamwork skills and collaboration with biomedical device engineering and medicine teams.
• Ability to organize and manage microbiological research within the lab.
• Plan and execute research activities to meet deadlines for deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage microbiological research within the lab.
• Plan and execute research activities to meet deadlines for deliverables.
• Collaborate with colleagues across biomedical engineering and medicine.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Research planning

Lab management

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Microbiology or related fields

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $55,000–$194,800. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QNifxBxLzwVT3Icr63X2YxPZ3aA58AWX/view.

Application Window

Open date: September 22, 2025

Most recent review date: Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 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: Monday, Sep 21, 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 Hochbaum research group in the UCI Samueli School of Engineering is anticipating an opening for a one‑year appointment in the Specialist Series starting in the academic year 2025‑2026. The position is associated with an industry‑sponsored research project on the commercialization of a rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing diagnostic technology. The position will require strong teamwork skills, communication with colleagues in biomedical device engineering and medicine, the ability to organize and manage microbiological research within the lab, and the ability to plan and execute research activities to meet deadlines for deliverables. The position offers opportunities for networking within the biomedical technology industry.

Seeking qualified candidates with research experience in basic microbial growth and characterization methods. Ideal candidates will have research experience in techniques to measure bacterial metabolism, viability, and antibiotic susceptibility.

These positions require a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Microbiology or related fields, and experience in the focus research area(s) listed above. This position is open for Specialists at all ranks—Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full rank determined based on experience.

This is an ongoing recruitment and positions are dependent upon availability of extramural funding. Initial appointments are short-term and renewal is based on job performance and availability of support. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and years of relevant experience.

Application Procedure

Applicants will need to upload curriculum vitae, name/addresses of at least three references, cover letter expressing area(s) of interest and dates of availability to start the position to our online RECRUIT system at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09910.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application): This position requires a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Microbiology or related fields.

Document Requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09910

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.

Job location

Irvine, CA