Junior Specialist (McKenney Lab)

Position Overview Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 (@ 100%) or $58,600 at Step 2 (@ 100%) Junior Specialist NEX: $26.35/hr at Step 1 or $28.07/hr at step 2 Application Window Open date: December 2, 2025 Next review date: Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 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 Junior Specialist Position in Alzheimer's Disease and Tau Biology The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist in cell biology and neurodegeneration research. A Junior Specialist position is available immediately in the lab of Dr. Richard McKenney in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis. The successful candidate will support ongoing research projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of tau protein dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies under the general guidance and supervision of the Principal Investigator. The position will utilize state-of-the-art single-molecule imaging, biochemical reconstitution, and cell-based assays to investigate how pathological tau phosphorylation patterns disrupt normal tau‑microtubule interactions and promote tau aggregation. Work will include, but not be limited to: Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy of tau dynamics on microtubules Biochemical reconstitution of tau-microtubule interactions using purified components Generation and characterization of phosphorylated tau variants Cell-based assays using authentic Alzheimer's disease brain-derived tau filaments Quantitative image analysis and biophysical modeling This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience at the interface of basic cell biology and translational Alzheimer's research, with direct access to patient‑derived samples through collaboration with the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Responsibilities Research (85%) Conduct experiments under the guidance of the PI using techniques including protein expression and purification, single‑molecule fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), tau aggregation assays, and live‑cell imaging. Perform quantitative analysis of tau dynamics, microtubule interactions, and aggregation kinetics. Collect, organize, analyze, and present data in group meetings. Maintain detailed experimental records, notes, and laboratory documentation. Assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of high‑quality peer‑reviewed manuscripts and grant submissions. Collaborate with researchers at the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and other institutions as directed by the PI. Professional Competence (15%) Provide technical assistance and mentoring for junior researchers (graduate students and undergraduates) as appropriate. Maintain lab stocks, reagents, and databases. Contribute to lab maintenance and organization. Assist with equipment maintenance and optimization of microscopy platforms. Questions Please direct questions to Richard McKenney, View email address on click.appcast.io To Apply Qualified applicants should upload Cover letter describing research interests and career goals Statement of relevant research experience and technical skills Curriculum vitae Contact information for three references Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Bachelor's degree in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, or related field, OR equivalent research experience (minimum 12 months in a research laboratory). Demonstrated experience with fluorescence microscopy techniques is required. Candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive and document reagents and data for publications and presentations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols and procedures are essential. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team under the guidance of a supervisor. Additional qualifications (required at time of start) Demonstrated ability to execute experimental protocols and learn new techniques with guidance from the PI. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to perform basic quantitative data analysis using software such as ImageJ/Fiji, Excel, or similar platforms. Basic understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work with biohazardous materials following appropriate safety protocols. Willingness to work flexible hours as needed for time‑sensitive experiments (e.g., live‑cell imaging). Commitment to fostering a collaborative and respectful lab environment. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position) Experience with protein handling and cell culture techniques. Prior experience with single‑molecule or advanced imaging techniques (such as TIRF microscopy). Background knowledge of tau biology, microtubule‑associated proteins, or neurodegenerative disease research. Familiarity with mammalian cell culture and basic transfection methods. Experience with image analysis software or basic programming (Python, MATLAB). Experience assisting with undergraduate or graduate student mentoring. Prior research experience in a neuroscience or biomedical research laboratory. Application Requirements Document requirements Cover Letter Statement of relevant research experience and technical skills 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 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. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties. APM - 035: Aff Indeed 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. 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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 Davis, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis