Junior Specialist

About the Role

The Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a pool of qualified Junior Specialists in Comparative Biomedical Research. This position will provide support to the Jordan Laboratory, investigating the mechanisms and management of naturally occurring skin diseases of companion animals (dogs, cats, and horses). The scientific goals include characterizing animal models of human skin diseases and improving patient care and animal welfare. This is a full-time appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension for one additional year.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize, plan, and execute clinical, collaborative, and benchtop research experiments.
• Generate and analyze high-quality data for publication.
• Assist in the collection and processing of biological specimens (blood, tissue) from dogs, cats, and horses.
• Maintain a database and biobank of collected samples.
• Organize and recruit dogs, cats, and horses for clinical trials, including direct communication with pet owners and veterinary professionals.
• Perform laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence.
• Compile and summarize data in spreadsheets.
• Perform statistical analyses.
• Assist with scientific manuscript and IACUC preparation.
• Maintain research equipment.
• Order supplies.
• Maintain clean and safe laboratory environments, ensuring compliance with health and safety guidelines and protocols.
• Attend and participate in laboratory meetings, including presenting data.
• Review grant proposals, IACUC protocols, journal manuscripts, and publications.
• Review scholarly literature and identify technical support to learn new techniques.
• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies and organizations.
• Mentor and train undergraduate students and volunteers.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences, or equivalent.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience working with spreadsheets and maintaining databases.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work safely with chemicals and biohazards.
• Strong desire to learn and acquire new skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience in performing benchtop research.
• Knowledge and skills to perform nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence.
• Prior veterinary experience, including comfort and confidence in animal restraint techniques.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form
• 3-4 letters of reference

Contact

• Help contact: tyjordan@ucdavis.edu
• Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07915