Recruit
Junior Specialist - Radiation Oncology - Arta Monjazeb's Lab
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: June 1, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Jun 1, 2027 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 Radiation Oncology, at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a 60% Junior Specialist in Translational Cancer Research for a 1 year appointment from 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE: The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) 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 provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Monjazeb, Dr. Logan Vick, and Dr. Yao-Hui Sun in a cancer immunology laboratory. The ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment will be very important for this work.
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90 % EFFORT)
The incumbent in this position will:
• Curate and analyze data from human clinical trials and murine in-vivo experiments.
• Analyze DNA-Seq and RNA-Seq datasets from human and mouse specimens.
• Develop and carry out murine experiments examining the role of the immune system in cancer.
• Perform procedures on mice including radiotherapy and tumor implantation.
• Running assays, including but not limited to multi-plex analyte detection, cell culture, next generation sequencing, and quantitative real- time PCR.
General Responsibilities:
• Managing datasets, records, and research documentation.
• Establishing and maintaining animal cell culture lines using sterile techniques.
• Preparing sterile media/reagents and maintaining sterile facilities.
• Updating/modifying standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
• Other research tasks related to the translational research project as needed.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5 % EFFORT)
• Participate in weekly Monjazeb lab meetings
• Participate in Weekly Cancer Immunology Journal Club
• Develop and submit publications including abstracts and manuscripts.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)
• Participate in activities of Lab Safety training and help ensure a safe working environment
For the full position description and to apply, visit (https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07669)
Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) with a major in Biology, Genetics or a related field
OR
• At least twelve months of relevant experience working in a research lab.
• Experience working in a research laboratory or using specific research methods and techniques in the fields of Radiation Oncology or Molecular Biology.
• Prior experience working in a cancer immunology laboratory.
• Prior experience working with multi-omics data sets
• Prior experience working with human clinical trial samples or data as well as mouse models of cancer
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions, continually learn and grow, quickly and effectively learning to use new tools and apps, systems and processes in a continually changing environment.
• Demonstrated skills using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge in lab practices and relevant lab procedures and safety protocols, regulations and guidelines, plus maintaining inventory and records.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate to internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills and multitasking skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills, utilizing available resources and good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to understand scientific papers and theories.
• Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills, including but not limited to writing summaries, reports, and correspondence using accurate and professional grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Accomplished organizational and administrative skills to assume general assignments and independently follow through to successful completion.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate problems/ roadblocks and associated consequences, and take appropriate initiative on behalf of lab team and PI.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience (twelve months of relevant experience in a research lab), preferably in biological or physical sciences.
• Demonstrated familiarity with UC Davis laboratory research, systems and processes.
Application 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)
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: cacochran@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.
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.
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