Skip to main content

Junior Specialist - Division of Infectious Diseases

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this Exempt position is 57,000 at step 1 or $60,700 at step 2. A reasonable estimate for this Non-Exempt position is $27.30/ hr at Step 1 or $29.08/ hr at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date: June 17, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Jul 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jul 31, 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

Nature and Purpose:

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, or with research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. Junior Specialists are required to be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results. Junior Specialists are also expected to participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations as well as review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications as applicable related to their research area of expertise. This laboratory focuses on research investigating mycobacterial pathogens such as M. tuberculosis and M. abscessus. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies investigating the role of reactive oxygen detoxification in antibiotic tolerance in mycobacteria using genetic and biochemical tools. This position will be housed in Division of Infectious Diseases facilities at the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility on the Davis campus. This position is paid monthly.

Research and Evaluation (90%):
• Assists in the implementation and evaluation of research activities related to M. tuberculosis
• Assists with data collection and analysis.
• Is actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.
• Prepares research dissemination materials, including conference presentation materials and manuscripts.
• Conducts literature reviews and assists with development of research experiments.

Professional Competence (5%):
•Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations. Prepare and present scientific posters.
•Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise, specifically M. abscessus.

University and Public Service (5%):
•Mentoring undergraduate students
•Organize research group meetings to advance the research agenda.
•Participate research group meetings presenting their experimental results.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

The Junior Specialist must have a Bachelor's degree in science or other related medical field and have excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. They must have prior lab experience, working knowledge and familiarity with spreadsheets, and have meticulous attention to detail.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

In addition to a Bachelor's degree in science or a related field, the Junior Specialist must have knowledge in statistical methods.

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

It is preferred that the candidate has experience culturing mycobacteria and working with BSL2 organisms.

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
  • 2-4 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07696

Help contact: kkirk@health.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.

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.

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.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.

2024 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2024 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA