Junior Specialist - Dugger Lab

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: April 17, 2026

Most recent review date: Monday, May 4, 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: Monday, Aug 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

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a Junior Specialist position in the Dugger Lab (Neuropathology Core).

Under the supervision of Dr. Dugger, the Junior Specialist will assist in research activities related to neuropathology and biorepository operations. The incumbent will support brain autopsy programs, tissue processing, data management, and coordination of research activities related to neurodegenerative disease research.

The incumbent will demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

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

General responsibilities:

RESEARCH (90%):

* ~10 days/month (including nights/weekends) perform duties for on-call brain autopsy including carrying a cell phone and/or pager when on duty, responding by phone to calls 24/7 within 10 minutes of being called, reporting for duty at procurement facility within one and a half hours of being called, receiving the body from the transport company according to standard protocols, dissecting and processing the brain and associated samples according to standard protocols, and completing all documentation related to the autopsy.

* Help coordinate and manage research autopsy and sample utilization programs

* Adhere to current protocols associated with program workflows

* Manage datasets, records, and research documentation

* Aid with digital microscope techniques, including scanning of microscope slides

* Mentor student employees in the laboratory as required

* Conduct, oversee, and provide feedback including but not limited to the following laboratory techniques: 1) brain procurements and dissections, 2) database input and management; 3) tissue sample tracking and distribution; 4) quality control; and 5) tissue-related technologies-including digital microscopy.

* Correctly use and maintain laboratory equipment such as bone saw, digital slide scanner, micro-plate reader, balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods

* Update, modify, and revise plans for standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.

* Aid with autopsy to lab program by coordinating between autopsy coordinator, transportation services, neuropathology experts, and tissue technicians while preserving sample integrity.

* Assure compliance with laboratory safety and state, federal and institutional regulation and guidelines.


* Other related jobs assigned by supervisor

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5%):

* The incumbent will aid in large scale collaboration investigating the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and related brain disorders, using human and non-human tissue samples. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop interpersonal and communication skills in bioscience research via coordination between autopsy coordinators, hospital or funeral home administrators, neuropathology experts, laboratory staff, and tissue technologists.

* The incumbent will be given opportunities to enhance written and verbal abilities in laboratory meetings and the departmental meeting and other on-campus events.

* The incumbent will be given the opportunities to organize clinical research activities such as clinicopathological correlation and biomarker discovery. In this capacity, the incumbent is encouraged to read appropriate literature and discuss during laboratory meetings.

* The incumbent will be encouraged to have membership with appropriate societies and participate in appropriate meetings and groups on-campus.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%):

* Mentorship of volunteer and undergraduate students


* The incumbent will participate in community outreach events, such as the brain to classrooms program

Number of Positions Available: 1

Term of Appointment: One year with the possibility to extend to two maximum, based on the needs of the research project. 100% Appointment.

For the full position description and to apply, visit

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

-Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a related field

-Willingness to be on call ~10 days/month (work outside typical hours) to facilitate autopsy program

-Good communication skills and evidence of exceptional ability to follow instructions

-Knowledge of lab management and safety protocol. Ability to organize work, maintain quality control inventory and operational protocols. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

-Proficient computer skills including spreadsheet and database software

-Ability to create, update, maintain, retrieve, and compile information within a database

-Fair knowledge in neuroanatomy and ability to work with human tissues with respect and care

-Ability to abide by safety and patient privacy regulations. Able to safely work with tissue fixatives, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen

-Ability to coordinate with coworkers with a wide range of professional backgrounds and to communicate professionally and effectively

-Flexible to changing demands of research tasks

-Professional approach to work and attention to detail Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter (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:

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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