Recruit
Jr. Specialist- Tian Lab
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: September 3, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Sep 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 Tian Lab in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a 50% position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2026. This position is located on the UC Davis main campus and has a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal pending funding availability. Research in the Tian Lab centers on understanding and manipulating plant metabolism for improving plant and human health. The Junior Specialist will provide technical and scientific support to the research program in the specific areas of wheat biofortification and understanding tree crop responses to environmental changes.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with other lab members to plan and execute experiments aimed at enhancing wheat nutritional traits and understanding tree crops’ responses to the environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following research activities:
1) Performing molecular, biochemical, and physiological characterizations of wheat plants obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
a. Incumbent will analyze the research results obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
2) Collecting and preparing samples as well as assessing changes in the expression of candidate genes in tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.
a. Incumbent will analyze the research result obtained through collecting and preparing samples of tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.
3) The Junior Specialist will plant, care, analyze, and harvest different populations of wheat plants in the growth chamber and the greenhouse.
4) The Junior Specialist will maintain lab notebooks and data files for all research activities.
5) The Junior Specialist will collaborate with undergraduate students in performing research protocols and data analysis.
B. The Junior specialist will help record and update the lab chemical inventory, maintain the proper operation of instruments, and coordinate waste pickups.
C. The Junior Specialist will contribute to the development of project reports and manuscripts by preparing data figures and tables as well as reviewing drafts of reports and manuscripts. The Junior Specialist will also conduct literature reviews relevant to the research topic using electronic databases
and journal articles. In addition, the Junior Specialist will present research results at lab meetings where all lab members will be present.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
A. The Jr. Specialist will participate in the annual Plant Sciences Symposium as a poster presenter.
B. The Jr. Specialist is encouraged to become a member of the Phytochemical Society of North America.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
A. The Junior Specialist will volunteer at the Picnic Day. In addition, the Junior Specialist is encouraged to join the Young Members Committee of the Phytochemical Society of North America.
Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from the Jr. Specialist position.
The Department will not offer visa sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Qualifications
A. Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
B. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions from plant tissues, PCR reactions, and cloning.
C. Experience in conducting experiments and collecting data in a research environment.
D. Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.
E. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
F. Strong academic performance during undergraduate studies.
G. Proficiency in real-time qPCR and a strong background in plant growth.
H. At least one year of previous lab experience in biochemistry, gene editing, and plant genotyping and phenotyping.
I. Skills in statistical analysis are strongly preferred for data analysis and interpretation.
J. A valid California driver’s license is required, as occasional travel within California may be necessary for fieldwork and collaboration.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
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: ykreyes@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.
- “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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, 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 or 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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