Junior Specialist - Dr. Marsh-Armstrong Lab, UC Davis Eye Center

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date: February 19, 2026

Most recent review date: Saturday, Mar 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: Thursday, Feb 18, 2027 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

Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science

UC Davis School of Medicine

The laboratory of Dr. Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong conducts basic science research involving retinal and optic nerve cellular and molecular biology, genome engineering, and imaging experiments principally in Xenopus laevis, but also in other vertebrate animals including mice and non-human primates. The laboratory also manages the Tupper Hall Xenopus Facility, and official UC Davis Animal Facility.

Major Responsibilities & Designated Areas of Expertise :

I. Research in Specialized Areas (85% EFFORT)

The incumbent in this position will:

• Participate in planning, execution, and presentation of experiments involving cellular and molecular biology, protein biochemistry, histology and animal surgery as well as imaging.
• Perform laboratory managerial duties, including ordering, updating of inventories, managing compliance with regulatory requirements, and assisting with maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Take leadership role in care of frog colony, with assistance of other lab personnel.
• Independently carry out experiments related to an assigned project or projects.
• Assist in activities related to research being carried out by others in the lab, as needed.
• Attend and occasionally present at a weekly lab meeting held together with other laboratories.
• Generate novel DNA reagents by molecular biology.
• Generate genetically modified Xenopus.
• Maintain careful records of all experiments.
• Communicate with various University entities.
• Communicate with other laboratories and/or sponsors if needed.

General Responsibilities:

• Manage datasets, records, and research documentation related to the laboratory.
• Manage datasets, records, and research documentation related to the Xenopus facility.
• Educate and mentor volunteer and students in the laboratory as required.
• Establish and maintain lines of genetically modified frogs.
• Prepare reagents and maintain facilities.
• Update/modify standard laboratory and animal facility procedures.
• Ensure regulatory deadlines are met.

II. Professional Competence & Activity (10% EFFORT)

• Prepare manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator. Manuscript preparation will include reviewing relevant literature, describing methods and results used to acquire the data, presenting and analyzing retrieved data, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results and discussing how they fit in with the current understanding of the field.
• Present research findings to a larger audience at scientific conferences or meetings. The incumbent will also assist in presenting progress reports and final summaries to granting agencies as well as to lab meetings and other meetings inside and out of UC Davis.
• Mentor undergraduate students and help mentor graduate students, including rotation students, from UC Davis.
• Actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

III. University & Public Service (5 % EFFORT)

• Participate in activities in this domain as deemed appropriate and as recommended by PI.

Skills/Qualifications:

• High degree of self-motivation and attention to detail.
• Good organization skills.
• Some molecular biology and/or other laboratory experience.
• Some experience working with research animals.
• Able to learn new software applications to support research studies.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in undergraduate laboratory research.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability to mentor undergraduates in the lab.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (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.

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

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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
Davis, CA