Position overview
Salary range :
A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100.
Application Window
Open date : October 3, 2025
Next review date : Monday, Oct 20, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date : Friday, Oct 24, 2025 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 Description in the Nino Lab
Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis
NATURE AND PURPOSE
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 provide mentorship, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and / or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.
Overview :
We seek to hire a Junior Specialist, Step 1, to conduct research in honey bee health, Varroa mite control, and virus mitigation strategies. The Junior Specialist will contribute to multiple projects examining molecular, nutritional, and RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches to improve honey bee resilience. Primary duties will include assisting with molecular biology procedures (DNA / RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning), preparing and processing bee, mite, and diet samples, maintaining and monitoring caged-bee survival and feeding trials, and supporting Varroa mite bioassays. The Junior Specialist will also assist with data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis, contribute to manuscript preparation, and help maintain general laboratory operations. Additional expectations include participation in lab meetings and departmental seminars. Work hours may be flexible as needed to accommodate experimental schedules and the care of live insects.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Research (90%) :
The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties :
Professional Competence (5%)
University and Public Service (5%)
Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies / procedures, and / or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Department : https : / / entomology.ucdavis.edu /
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree (Biology, Entomology, Ecology, or similar field).
NOTE : The junior specialist rank is an entry level position; accordingly, it is inappropriate to hire applicants with advanced degrees in this field, or those with BS degrees and three years' relevant work experience.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies / procedures, and / or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
The ideal candidate will have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. They will also have strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Other preferred, but not required, qualifications are :
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - A cover letter that describes your related interests, experiences, and career goals and that describes your interest and qualifications in the position.
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 / JPF07329
Help contact : cdhogan@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.
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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
Lab • Davis, CA, United States