Opportunities

Junior Specialist: Vascular Biology


For more information and to apply: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07490

Position Overview

Salary Range: Non-exempt: $26.35 per hour (Step 1) or $28.07 per hour (Step 2)

Application Window

Open Date: February 3, 2026

Next Review Date: Saturday, Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final Date: Monday, Mar. 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (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 Beleford Lab within the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for a 50% Junior Specialist(s) in the vascular biology and human genetics. Junior Specialist positions are short-term appointments, up to two-years.

Major Responsibilities and Designated Areas of Expertise

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for a particular project.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (85% EFFORT)
The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), and other research personnel, on studies related to developmental malformations of arteries, veins, and lymphatics. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) in specialized areas. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Managing, maintaining, and keeping an inventory of transgenic mouse colonies including tagging, tail-snipping, and genotyping mice, crossbreeding to generate specific genetic lines, intraperitoneal and intragastric injections, and assisting with harvesting mouse tissues for analysis.
  • Other responsibilities include establishing endothelial cell lines from harvested mouse and human tissues, inventorying frozen stocks, and maintaining these lines in culture.
  • Molecular techniques that may be carried out by the Junior Specialist include immunocyto- and immunohistochemistry, fluorescent imaging and light microscopy, RNAScope, immunoprecipitation, Western analysis, and proximity ligation assay.
  • The Junior Specialist is encouraged to lead at least one independent research projects with input from the PI and opportunities for publication. The specialist is also expected to contribute to writing and reviewing manuscripts in preparation. The ideal candidate will be motivated, detail-oriented, have strong analytical and time-management skills, and be capable of working collaboratively with others.
  • They will review journal manuscripts related to vascular biology and human genetics.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

  • The appointee will engage in dissemination of research beyond the campus, such as through presentations or participation in relevant professional societies or groups.
  • They are also expected to contribute to departmental seminars, journal clubs, and other academic activities, as applicable.

3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The Junior Specialist may be expected to mentor undergraduate research assistants who rotate through the lab. They will also be expected to actively participate in regular lab meetings, group discussions, and other relevant activities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Genetics or related field. Degree must be awarded before start date. Applicants with an M.S. or Ph.D. will not be considered, as this is an entry-level role.
  • Minimum 1 year experience in laboratory research either before or after the degree. Applicants should have no more than 2 years of post-bachelor’s laboratory research experience.
  • Research experience in molecular biology, cell biology.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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

  • Experience in bioinformatics, mouse handling is preferred but not required.

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: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07490
    Help Contact: qrush@ucdavis.edu