Junior Specialist
Position overview
The non-exempt salary for the Jr. Specialist position is Step 1 is $26.35, Step 2-$28.07.
Application Window
Open date: September 10, 2025
Next review date: Monday, Oct 6, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 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
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Junior Specialists do not have supervision responsibilities. Although the Specialist titles are expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member, the incumbent is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The incumbent will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it a Principal status. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
A. Collaborate with PI and study personnel in the Department of Emergency Medicine conducting interdisciplinary studies focusing on Emergency Medicine care for adult and/or pediatric patients.
1) Review and maintain current competency of study protocols and procedures for Emergency Medicine research studies starting up and currently enrolling patients.
2) Under supervision of the PI, abstract data from electronic medical records according to study protocols; input abstracted data; store and ship samples according to appropriate university guidelines; conduct patient follow-up activities; and resolve data queries.
3) Review literature for background information and emerging science relevant to Emergency Medicine research projects, and research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to their sub-specialty area.
4) Participate in Emergency Medicine Research-In-Progress forums, network teleconferences and meetings, and in regular study meetings with the PI and other investigators where progress of the work will be discussed.
5) Participate in protocol reviews for new studies and provide substantive feedback on content and implementation.
6) Participate in training for enrollment and data collection activities (such as procedures involving innovative diagnostic or treatment equipment, research participant interviews or other follow-up testing of research participants), developing expert skills in assessing patients and coding/scoring assessments performed by others.
7) Coordinate and participate in dissemination activities to support an application for federal exception from informed consent for emergency research.
B. Serve as a research coordinator for interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in Emergency Medicine for adult and/or pediatric patients conducted by PIs in the department. Responsible for acquiring sufficient knowledge to enroll appropriate subjects into IRB-approved research studies, and ensuring proper management of biological specimens, data collection and data management, according to specific protocols as well as relevant policies and procedures.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (8% EFFORT)
A. Complete and maintain IRB required education, including CITI course for Biomedical Researchers and Good Clinical Practice.
B. Attend and participate in CTSC-sponsored training for clinical research activities, Emergency Medicine Department sponsored Research-In-Progress forums, network teleconferences and meetings, and in regular study meetings with the PI and other investigators where progress of the work will be discussed.
C. Participate in protocol reviews for new studies and provide substantive feedback on content and implementation.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2% EFFORT)
A. Participate with the principal investigator and study team in presentations to the community and service providers for participant recruitment purposes as well as public disclosure activities.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate, such as annual UC Davis Research Expo.
Qualifications
-Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences or related field required with a minimum of 6 months experience in laboratory, clinical or applied research.
-Ability to screen and recruit patients into clinical research trials.
-Understanding of basic concepts of clinical research involving human subjects.
-Ability to interpret and understand clinical protocols and provide instruction on their implementation.
-Ability to read and understand patient medical records, abstract clinical data from medical records and record accurately on case report forms and/or in electronic databases.
-Excellent communication skills in interacting with research participants, physicians, hospital clinical staff, university department staff/representatives, and research sponsor.
-Excellent organizational skills in maintaining thorough and accurate study documentation while managing multiple clinical trials.
-Computer skills sufficient to effectively use MS Word, Excel, web interfaces and patient and research databases.
-Some classroom experience in laboratory, clinical and/or applied research is strongly preferred.
-Experience in an Emergency Department and handling specimens is strongly preferred.
-Experience with electronic health record system preferred.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
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.
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: apeppersjohnson@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
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