Junior Specialist for Immature Gut Biology Group (Neonatology / Pediatrics)

Position overview

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate of this position is $53, 100 annually at Step 1.

A reasonable estimate of this position is $56, 600 annually at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date : May 2, 2025

Most recent review date : Monday, May 19, 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 : Wednesday, Dec 31, 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

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist position.

The Immature Gut Biology Group (Department of Pediatrics) is seeking a qualified Junior Specialist for research technical support. The combined research efforts of Drs. Geoanna Bautista and Steven McElroy are focused on the developing and immature intestine, specifically in the context of injury and repair mechanisms in the setting of prematurity and neonatal gut pathologies such as gastroschisis in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This position will be primarily involved in Dr. Bautista's research that is focused ion channel signaling mechanisms that are impaired in utero leading to disruption and dysregulation of normal gut development, which results in postnatal gut dysmotility and dysfunction. Dr. Bautista uses in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches using transgenic and experimental mouse models. Through various collaborations, she also utilizes fetal / neonatal lamb models and surgically obtained human tissue specimens to better understand the normal and abnormal processes driving pathology unique to the neonate. The long-term goal of the lab is to better understand the mechanisms by which the immature or impaired development of the small intestine predisposes the development of NEC, a devastating and deadly disease affecting neonates.

The Jr. Specialist will have some experience in molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry / immunofluorescence, microscopy, tissue culture, and mouse handling. Qualified candidates for this position will possess the academic knowledge and the ability to translate, adapt, and apply the knowledge generally associated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology or a related discipline. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and an interest in basic science; as well as the ability to work well independently, work as part of a team and promote a diverse workforce in an academic environment. The Jr. Specialist will be flexible and adaptable, open to learning / developing competencies in new technologies, and committed to the overall goals of the lab.

The main lab is in the Research II building on the Sacramento Medical Center campus; however, this position will require spending several days a week at the main UC Davis campus (Tupper Hall) where the candidate will independently perform specific techniques such as wire myography, gut motility assays and live calcium imaging available at the labs of Drs. Fernando Santana and Manuel Navedo. The Jr. Specialist will work under the supervision of several postdocs, graduate students and SRAs but will report to Dr. Bautista. Candidates should be aware that occasional after hours work may be required.

Research (80%) :

• Contribute to translational / basic science research projects and towards the growth of the entire team.
• Generate illustrative graphics that depict results.
• Develop and optimize protocols and experimental models.
• Manage datasets, records, and detailed research documentation, maintain up-to-date information of all experiments conducted.
• Handle live mice (oral gavage, intraperitoneal injections) and perform necropsies to obtain tissue and cells for further processing.
• Independently perform ex vivo and in vitro assays including wire myography, cell dissociations, western blots, extraction, PCR / RT-PCR.
• Develop proficiency in immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and use of advanced imaging modalities (widefield fluorescence, confocal and multiphoton microscopy), independently performing imaging analysis using ImageJ / Fiji / Imaris.
• Maintain laboratory equipment (e.g. balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods).
• Ensure laboratory supplies are well stocked, and laboratory work areas are kept clean and free of potential contamination issues.
• Update / modify standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
• Assist individual investigators in the archiving of data, preparation of basic data summaries, and preparing and submitting manuscripts as needed.
• Other related jobs assigned by supervisor.

Professional Competence (10%) :

University and Public Service (10%) :

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

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 / JPF07113

Help contact : hlnle@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.

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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

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Job location

Sacramento, CA and Davis, CA