Junior Specialist - Dr. Link Lab

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one qualified Jr. Specialist to work 100% under the direction of Dr. Verena Link, Assistant Professor.

Dr. Link seeks to fill the Jr. Specialist position with a start date of October 1, 2026, or later.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on the exploration of the nutrition-microbiome-immune cell crosstalk and their interaction with tissues in genetically diverse mice and human patients.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, participation in performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, providing assistance in immunostaining and flow cytometry experiments, providing assistance in tissue processing, participation in animal studies under supervision, providing assistance in mouse colony management, and providing assistance in preparation of multi-omics assays.

The Jr. Specialist will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data and perform data analysis, and will receive training by post-doctoral fellows and senior researchers in order to participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data by looking at the data gathered from the experiment that has produced the data and evaluate the information in order to consult with senior researchers.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

The Jr. Specialist will be responsible for laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance include assisting senior researchers in the preparation of BUA and animal use protocols, maintenance of lab safety protocols, preparation of bacterial cell culture plates, management of diet inventory, data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and placing requests for orders to the business office.

The Jr. Specialist will be expected to attend lab meetings and when appropriate will present data to their laboratory peers and will contribute to scholarly articles by providing their research findings, data, and write-ups on the work performed and may participate in writing manuscript portions in relation to their research findings.

The Jr. Specialist will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods for the project that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

The Jr. Specialist will also provide University/public service by providing mentorship to undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety.

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology or a related field with prior laboratory experience in immunology or molecular techniques.

Coursework and/or experience to perform immunology and molecular biology techniques.

Prior experience with immunostaining and flow cytometry.

Computer skills pertaining to scientific data entry and usage.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team and will exhibit a professional approach to work and attention to detail.

• 3-5 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 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.

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