Assistant Specialist

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is $63,500 - $70,700.

Application Window

Open date: April 22, 2026

Most recent review date: Thursday, May 7, 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: 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 Surgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for an Assistant Specialist, in the Division of Research.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and the generation of a clinical grade cellular product 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.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Aijun Wang, PhD, FAIMBE, and have the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)


A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving:

1. Work in the Good Manufacturing facility (GMP) to prepare stem cells and manufacture of stem cell therapy product for patients.
2. Develop, perform, and contribute to CuRe trial related experiments.
3. Manage datasets, records, and research documentation.
4. Train team members in the CuRe cell team as required.
5. Prepare laboratory orders, maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies and laboratory work areas are kept clean and free of potential contamination issues.
6. Participate in the compilation of data and writing of the standard operating procedures to fulfill the needs of the CuRe trial.
7. Establish and maintain human cell culture lines using sterile techniques.
8. Independently perform cellular and molecular biology assays including imaging, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, Luminex and immunocytochemistry.
9. Prepare sterile media/reagents and maintain FDA compliant equipment.
10. Correctly use and maintain laboratory equipment such as micro-plate reader, balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, and laminar flow hoods.
11. Other related jobs assigned by supervisor.
12. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

B. Serve as a research coordinator for Drs. Diana Farmer and Aijun Wang who are studying the use of a clinical grade stem cell product for the treatment of fetal spina bifida in the Center of Bioengineering in Medicine, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5%):

* Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.


* Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.


* Participation in Center for Bioengineering in Medicine lab meetings and other meetings related to CuRe trial.


* Additional education and credentials as related to surgery and bioengineering research.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%):

* May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.


* Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.


* Committee service for lab safety, facilities, and training of CuRe trial cell team members.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

For the full position description and to apply, visit

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

* A bachelor's degree plus three or more years of research experience or a master's degree in a relevant discipline.


* At least 2 years of experience in field/specialty

* Research experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.

* Experience with generation of a clinical grade stem cell product for use in clinical trials, flow cytometry, ELISA assays, and neuroprotection assays.


* Evidence of academic accomplishments such as referred journal papers and conference presentations


* Demonstrated strong organizational skills

* Excellent written and oral communication skills Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

* Able to work in a team setting and meet stringent stem cell product production timelines.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* List preferred criteria, if applicable

* Experience with human subjects


* Experience of HIPAA-compliant handling of data for research purposes


* Experience of translational and human subjects research


* Experience in managing software development teams

* Experience with mammalian cell culture Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research - Including research experience and academic trajectory

• 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.

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-8 required (contact information only)

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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: 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.

Job location
Sacramento, CA