Junior Specialist - Lou Lab 2026

The Department of Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist in biochemistry and plant biology to join the lab of Dr. Yann-Ru Lou. We are a research team investigating the evolution of plant chemical diversity with biochemical and plant synthetic biology approaches.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Performance in Research (90%):

This position requires technical and specialized contributions to an active research program. The successful candidate will design and execute multi-pronged approaches to elucidate acylsugar biochemical pathways in Solanaceae, as well as analyze herbivore responses to distinct acylsugar phenotypes. In consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI), the candidate will regularly apply these biochemical insights to advance plant synthetic biology initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

* Protocol development: Execute and troubleshoot independent research projects, including protocol development, data interpretation, and follow-up planning.

* Molecular cloning & transgenics: Generate constructs for heterologous gene expression (E. coli and N. benthamiana) and execute virus- or CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis in solanaceous species (e.g., tomato).

* Biochemistry: Purify proteins and perform in vitro enzyme assays that get analyzed on LC-MS.

* Genotyping & phenotyping: Characterize CRISPR mutants and conduct insect performance assays.

The successful candidate will also summarize data, prepare figures, and have the opportunity to assist in writing manuscripts for publication and grant proposals. To train the candidate for this role, the candidate is expected to participate in lab meetings and peer review under the mentorship of the PI.

Lastly, the successful candidate is expected to order and stock needed lab supplies, assist the lab in maintaining equipment and aligning with UC Davis lab safety requirement, and contribute to plant care as well as other lab hygiene and maintanence duties.

Professional Competence & Activity (5%): The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting and journal club discussion. The candidate will attend seminars and may present research results and is encouraged to interact with professional interest groups.

University and Public Service (5%): The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public.

* Qualified applicant must have a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry or structural, molecular, cellular or plant biology or related fields.

* Qualified applicant must have laboratory experience in biochemistry or structural, molecular or plant biology or related fields.

* This is an entry level position reserved for graduates with Bachelor's degree and less than 2-3 years of experience.

* Excellent experimental and data analysis skills.

* Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

* Experience in protein purification from various expression systems including E-coli and/or Nicotiana benthamiana.

* Experience in optimizing and writing protocols for molecular biology techniques.

* Excellent knowledge of biological and chemical safety and laboratory documentation required by UC Davis.

* Ability to organize tasks and complete in a timely manner.

* Ability to work well both independently and as a part of a team.

* Experience in molecular cloning and plant synthetic biology tools.

* Experience in collaborating in a team environment, particularly working undergraduate students on research projects.

• 2-5 required (contact information only)

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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 for 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.