UCI MIND - Assistant Specialist, MODEL-AD

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) seeks an Assistant Specialist to research late-onset Alzheimer’s disease models. The role spans tissue handling, microscopy, data analysis, and cross-team collaboration to generate interpretable results and contribute to publications and grant materials.

The position emphasizes developing expertise in neuropathology, molecular biology, and quantitative imaging, with funding-dependent term appointments and annual

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, or related life science, or five years of experience.
• Experience in molecular biology, tissue processing, and quantitative imaging is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate molecular, cellular, and neuropathological features of AD mouse models via tissue collection and processing.
• Perform basic surgical procedures, biochemical assays, immunofluorescence, and microscopy.
• Analyze data, prepare figures, and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to manuscripts, progress reports, and grant materials within a collaborative environment.

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, or related life science

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $65,800-$73,200. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 24B Represented Specialist Series REPRESENTED SPECIALIST SERIES salary scale . “Off-scale salaries”, i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Application Window

Open date: October 14, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Jan 13, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Description

The University of California, Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) invites applications for an Assistant Specialist in the Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (MODEL-AD) Disease Model Development and Phenotyping Core. MODEL-AD is an NIA/NIH-funded, multi-project, multi-institutional research center focused on developing and rigorously characterizing next-generation humanized mouse models of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Assistant Specialist will investigate molecular, cellular, and neuropathological features of AD mouse models through mouse-based research, including tissue collection and processing, basic surgical procedures, biochemical assays, immunofluorescence, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. Responsibilities also include organizing and analyzing experimental data, preparing figures and graphical summaries, and presenting findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences. The Assistant Specialist will critically evaluate and interpret findings, integrate results across experiments and datasets, and contribute ideas for follow-up studies. In addition, the Assistant Specialist will assist with manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant-related materials while developing specialized research expertise in Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathology, molecular biology, and quantitative imaging in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This position is dependent upon extramural funding. Rank will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Term appointments are based on performance and availability of funding. Candidates are welcome to explain how they have contributed to inclusive excellence in their teaching, research, and service. The University of California remains fully committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applicants to address how their skills, expertise, and experiences might serve the varied communities of California. Please feel free to include information in any of your application materials relevant to your inclusive excellence work in research, teaching, and service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Assistant Specialists - Should possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent degree), or 5 yrs. of experience. A Master’s degree or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, or a related life science discipline, or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant research specialization, is required.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Month and Year of highest degree must be listed on CV.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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 .

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 or laws 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: Affinitative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .

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

Irvine, CA