Junior Specialist NEX
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: July 29, 2025
Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 13, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 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
The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California, Davis is accepting applications for a qualified Junior Specialist with Equine Infectious Disease experience. This will be a 50% time appointment for one year starting September 1, 2025 or negotiable.
90% Research
This position will require the ability to plan and execute laboratory experiments to obtain data of high quality for research and publication. The candidate will process equine biological samples for extraction of total nucleic acid on a QIAcube HT, run quantitative polymerase reaction (qPCR) on a QuantStudio 7Pro for pathogen detection in horses. The candidate will provide technical and organizational support for a fast pace research laboratory detecting viruses and bacteria in equine biological samples including but not limited to nasal secretions, feces, central spinal fluid (CSF), whole EDTA blood, bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL), and tissue. Organize clinical samples, extract nucleic acid and perform qPCR according to an established protocol with strict attention to details. Stock supplies, prepare regents, and be current on required laboratory safety. The candidate will compile data in spreadsheets, summarize resulting data, perform statistical analyses, and assist with writing methods and results sections of scientific papers.
5% Professional Competence and Activities
Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research
organizations. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts and publications related to area of expertise.
5% University and Public Service
Service will constitute mentorship and training of undergraduate students in the laboratory.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in animal science, biological science, or related field, documented experience in a laboratory setting, ability to work with spreadsheets and databases, ability to work safely with chemicals and bio hazards.
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
It is preferred that the candidate has at least 1 year of experience with benchtop or animal field research.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Outlining related qualifications, experience and career goals.
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.
- 3 required (contact information only)
Help contact: npusterla@ucdavis.edu
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 (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
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.
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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.

