Kim Lab : Research Specialist

Position overview

Position title :

Kim Lab : Research Specialist (Junior - Associate Ranks)

Salary range :

Commensurate with qualifications and experience (see section D. Qualifications of the CAPM 602.230 Specialist Series . The UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Specialist Series Fiscal Year . A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $88,000.

Percent time : Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start :

As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.

Position duration :

Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date : July 3, 2025

Most recent review date : Thursday, Nov 6, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date : Tuesday, Jun 30, 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

The Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for research specialists. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Euiseok Kim, the specialists will join a team working on NIH-funded projects focused on developing next-generation viral genetic tools for mapping and manipulating neural circuits in the mammalian brain. Duties will include performing stereotaxic mouse surgeries for intracranial viral delivery, conducting histological tissue processing and immunostaining, operating and maintaining fluorescence and confocal microscopy systems, executing cell culture-based assays and BSL-2 level engineered virus production, and carrying out molecular biology techniques including plasmid cloning and PCR. The specialists will also contribute to research projects by collecting and analyzing the resulting data, maintain basic lab inventory and reagents for molecular biology and histology, contribute to manuscripts, disseminate information through presentations, and assist with grant proposals.

This position will require the candidate to prioritize accuracy, successfully collaborate with other lab members, and employ excellent problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking skills. We welcome applications from candidates who can contribute to increasing inclusion in scientific research.

Applicants with experience in molecular biology techniques (cloning and PCR); mouse handling, stereotaxic surgery, and perfusion; histology and immunohistochemistry; fluorescence or confocal microscopy; and viral vector production and application for neural circuit tracing is preferred.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department : https : / / mcd.ucsc.edu /

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at the time the application is submitted)

• B.S. / B.A. degree or higher (or an equivalent foreign degree) in neuroscience, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by September 15, 2025.
• A minimum of one year of research experience in neuroscience, biology, or related biomedical fields (undergraduate experience is acceptable).

Your application must demonstrate that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement. For applicants who do not possess the required degree when they submit their applications, they must document in their application materials (e.g., c.v., cover letter, etc.) that their projected date for completing their degree will be on or before September 15, 2025.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of publications (if any - please include DOI links or the URLs of PDFs) and a minimum of three professional references along with their contact information. The search committee will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

Cover Letter - Letter of application (two page maximum) that describes your research experience, qualifications, and interest as it relates to the position.

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucsc.edu / JPF01982

Help contact : mkistler@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

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.

APM - 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability : In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check . The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530 .

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work / life balance.

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.

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Job location

Santa Cruz, California