Junior Specialist - Sadegh Lab

Position overview Salary range: Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2. Non-Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $26.35/hr at Step 1 or $28.07/hr at Step 2. Application Window Open date: February 25, 2026 Next review date: Sunday, Mar 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 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 Neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants to apply for a Junior Specialist position in Dr. Sadegh lab. The Junior Specialist will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in the neurosciences, specifically on mechanisms and pathologies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis in disorders relevant to neurosurgery. Such disorders include hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and epilepsy. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Sadegh and will require the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The successful candidate will be a member of our rapidly expanding, interactive research team and will engage in scholarly discussions with colleagues on new ideas and concepts. They will perform skilled procedures, collect and analyze data, and prepare respective figures for scientific publications. I. RESEARCH (90% Effort) A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Principal Investigator and lab personnel on investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of CSF production, absorption and homeostasis and related disorders using cell culture and animal models. The junior specialist will perform technical/routine lab activities required to accomplish the research project. It is expected that the Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments using a variety of neuroscience and general biology research techniques (including brain dissection and extraction of CSF from animal models, live imaging, cell culture, molecular biology, animal colony maintenance, and genotyping). Additional training will be provided in the laboratory. Review literature and experiment planning. Carry out the experiments. Collect and analyze experimental data. Graphing and presenting data on the lab meetings. Contribute to scientific publications. B. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Principal Investigator and lab personnel to assist on lab organization and training of new lab personnel on experimental procedures and other lab duties. Other responsibilities include assisting Dr. Sadegh's group in lab management duties: Establishing lab safety and experimental protocols. Record keeping of lab supplies. Assisting with lab orders. Assisting with animal protocol updates. Assisting with the training of others in the lab. Maintaining lab space organization II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort) The Junior Specialist will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information at the professional meetings, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities. III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort) The Junior Specialist may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable. Qualifications Basic qualifications Bachelor's Degree in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering. Strong interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills. The ability to work well independently and as part of a team. Additional qualifications Bachelor's Degree in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering. Preferred qualifications Candidates who seek advanced degrees in the neurosciences or related fields. A general interest in neurosurgery is recommended, as the PI is a neurosurgeon-scientist. The candidate should have at least 1 year of experience working with cellular and molecular biology techniques in the neurosciences (including brain sectioning, immunostaining, in situ hybridization, image quantifications, and basic statistics). This may include laboratory experience during undergraduate studies. Application Requirements Document requirements Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. 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. Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link: Help contact: View email address on click.appcast.io 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, 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: Affiative Action and Non-Discrimination 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. More information is available at: 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. 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 Sacramento, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis