Junior Specialist for Dr. Zawadzki's lab at the UC Davis Eye Center

Position overview

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date : July 16, 2025

Next review date : Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Thursday, Jul 16, 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

Junior Specialist Position

Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science

UC Davis School of Medicine

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at the UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Junior Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support and coordination for the research studies of Dr. Robert Zawadzki. The position requires an individual with a background in molecular and cell biology or biomedical engineering / ophthalmic imaging and experience in studying animal models. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a team. The incumbent will also be expected to analyze and prepare data for both oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in future careers in science, technology or medicine to gain experience in a stimulating and interactive laboratory environment.

The incumbent will participate in the following duties :

Research (85%) :

The Junior Specialist will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties :

Planning, execution and presentation of research on mouse models of eye diseases. A successful candidate will participate in lab activities, particularly around issues of image acquisition, processing and innovative programming for data acquisition and processing

In vivo and ex vivo mouse retinal imaging with selection of retinal areas for testing. This will be done in collaboration with PIs specializing in specific mouse models. Creative solutions will be required to image retinal layers below regions that have been compromised by retina degeneration.

Genotyping and maintaining multiple mouse colonies, DNA isolation, PCR, tissue extraction as well as staining slides with antibodies (immunohistochemistry).

Help with lab maintenance, including staying compliant with safety standards and inspections, ordering lab supplies, as well as completing paperwork.

Active involvement in the preparation of manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator. This can include reviewing relevant literature, describing methods and results used to acquire the data, presenting and analyzing data retrieved, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results, constructing clear and informative figures, and interpreting the results..

Professional Competence (10%) :

The candidate will be expected to attend symposia and conferences, and participate in and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs, and other activities, as applicable. The incumbent will present research at regional and appropriate national meetings such as ARVO and Photonic West. Presentations will be delivered in poster and / or oral format.

University and Public Service (5%) :

The candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab, and participate in and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.

As a full-time research group member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training, and mentoring.

The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate students from UC Davis. He / She will actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field with a minimum of one year of experience in undergraduate laboratory research, a demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions and communicate ideas. In addition, the ability to work occasional weekend hours to manage experiments. Preferred qualifications include computer science or programming skills and experience with lab animal handling.

Qualified applicants should apply online at UC Recruit : https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / apply / JPF07178 . Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for up to 3 references. Documents / materials must be submitted as PDF files. Please direct questions to Ashley Bellmer at ambellmer@ucdavis.edu

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in undergraduate laboratory research.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability to mentor undergraduates in the lab.

Preferred qualifications

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

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research (Optional)

Statement of Teaching (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 .

Reference requirements

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07178

Help contact : ambellmer@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 (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 .

UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) . 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 .

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.

Job location

Davis, CA