Senior Specialist

Position overview Salary range: The exempt salary for Junior Specialist, Step 1: $57,000/yr, Step 2: $60,700/yr. The non-exempt salary for the Jr. Specialist position is Step 1 is $27.30, Step 2-is $29.08. Application Window Open date: June 8, 2026 Most recent review date: Monday, Jun 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled. 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 DESCRIPTION The Veterinary Assisted Reproduction Laboratory at the University of California, Davis, invites applications for a part-time/full-time Junior Specialist position. As a Junior Specialist, the successful applicant will assume responsibilities in assisting and conducting research and clinical service under the direction of the Principal Investigator (Dr. Pouya Dini) and the embryologists (Dr. Alejandro de la Fuente and Dr. Kazuki Takahashi). NATURE AND PURPOSE The position of Junior Specialist has a focus on a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research and clinical service. The Junior 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 Junior Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES The primary functions of this position are to provide scientific, research, and clinical support to the laboratory. The position will involve interdisciplinary studies focusing on in vitro embryo production and cell and organoid culture in equine, livestock, and other species. Responsibilities for this position include assisting in the clinical ICSI/IVF program, client communication, conducting research projects, and providing assistance to students and researchers in the laboratory. The Junior Specialist is also required to be actively and significantly involved in general laboratory tasks such as ordering materials, record keeping, lab safety, and archiving samples. I.RESEARCH and SERVICE (90%) This position requires creative contributions and collaborative development of an active research and service program investigating the different methods of in vitro fertilization, sperm preparation for in vitro fertilization, oocyte maturation, embryo development, embryo manipulation, cell culture, cell modification, and genomic analysis. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborate with personnel affiliated with research activities or initiate research projects, involving in vitro fertilization, molecular techniques such as extracting RNA, DNA and protein from cell lines and tissue, conducting standard assays such as PCR, culturing mammalian cell lines, liquid nitrogen archival and storage, preparing samples for genomic and proteomic analysis, and other such laboratory duties as may arise. The candidate will help to maintain and expand the clinical service of the laboratory in consultation with the laboratory manager and director. Responsibilities also include keeping track of laboratory supplies, keeping track of client materials, maintaining a database of all laboratory supplies and purchases, and maintaining detailed inventory and freezer logs of laboratory reagents/materials. The candidate will follow standard operating procedures and maintain a clean and orderly working environment in the laboratory, and will help or aid other lab members in the performance of their work. The candidate is also required to assist in the clinical research conducted in the laboratory, including ovary collection from different locations (driving for over 6 hours), sample drop-off at courier or airline locations, semen collection and analysis, oocyte aspiration, and embryo transfer. The candidate may work with students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including method development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. The candidate will assist with the preparation of manuscripts and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team. The candidate will assist in the acquisition of funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed. II.PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%) The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and give oral presentations to the public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions. III.UNIVERSITY & PUBLIC SERVICE (5%) The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities, such as mentoring undergraduate students. The candidate may participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus, and other University entities, as deemed appropriate by the PI. Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Reproductive Science, Developmental Biology, Animal Science, or relevant fields. Additional qualifications (required at time of start) Must have demonstrated proficiency with IVF and ICSI. Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials and biologicals. Must have a valid CA driver's license. Must be willing to work occasionally during the weekend, after-hours, and holidays. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position) Prior exposure to assisted reproductive techniques is required for the position. Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter (Optional) Statement of Research (Optional) Statement of Teaching (Optional) 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: JPF07693 Help contact: 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: 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. 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