Junior Specialist (Ori-McKenney Lab 2026)

Position overview Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 at Step 1 (@ 100%) or $60,700 at Step 2 (@ 100%). Junior Specialist NEX: A reasonable estimate for this position is $27.30/hr at Step 1 or $29.08/hr at step 2. Application Window Open date: September 1, 2026 Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 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 Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for 1 Junior Specialist positions in molecular biology and biochemistry.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Research (90%) This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on tau physiology and pathology, with the goal of understanding how tau functions at the molecular level and how it aggregates to cause neurodegenerative disease. The successful candidate will maintain Drosophila stocks and perform necessary assays to induce and assess neurodegeneration, as well as analyze samples biochemically for different tau phosphorylation states using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. In addition, the candidate is expected to review the scientific literature and, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, formulate new hypotheses, design experiments to test those hypotheses, and conduct the resulting experiments. The candidate will also be expected to present their work in lab and group research meetings, contribute to the preparation of figures, and assist in the writing of manuscripts for publication. Service (10%) The Junior Specialist will be expected to help train and mentor undergraduates, as well as other laboratory members. Additional responsibilities will include contributing to the overall operation of the laboratory, maintaining a clean work environment, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations. Applicants should submit a cover letter, a research statement describing their past research experience, skills and interests, and a curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for two references. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For more information about the department, please visit the website: Molecular and Cellular Biology QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Kassandra Ori-McKenney (View email address on click.appcast.io) Qualifications Basic qualifications Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or cell biology with lab experience. Experience must include Drosophila husbandry, Drosophila behavioral assays and/or Drosophila dissections, experience with confocal microscopy, and data analysis. Must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and be able to document graphic and tabular data for publication, proposals, and/or presentations. Experience with software programs including Excel and Graphpad Prism is a plus. Preferred qualifications Previous experience or coursework in studying traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration. 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. Application Requirements Document requirements Cover Letter Statement of Research 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 2 required (contact information only) 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. "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 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: Affiant Action Checklist for Staffing and 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. 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. Job location Davis, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis