Junior Specialist- Michelmore Lab

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 10, 2025

Most recent review date : Wednesday, Jul 30, 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, Aug 12, 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

In direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other lab personnel, this position will be involved in multiple research projects, including lettuce transformation and greenhouse plant management.

Research (90%)

As part of the transformation team for lettuce, the Junior Specialist will be responsible for carrying out Agrobacterium-mediated lettuce transformation and in vitro tissue culture regeneration. This involves but is not limited to preparing tissue culture media, maintaining sterile in vitro cultures, weekly plant media transfers, record keeping of plants per specific project, and transfer of transgenic plants to the greenhouse. Molecular techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions, and gel electrophoresis and imaging will be performed to characterize transgenic plants. May participate in additional lab activities as needed.

Assist staff and researchers in the daily operations of research greenhouses, lath / screen houses, and plant nursery areas. Perform a variety of tasks including watering plants, weeding, irrigation, pruning, washing pots, pressure washing floors, and general daily / weekly complex and greenhouse maintenance / housekeeping. Transfer and take care of transgenic plants in the greenhouse. The Junior Specialist must be able to work in the enclosed area of the greenhouse as well as out of doors during all seasons and be able to do heavy labor.

Professional Competence (5%)

The appointee will assist the principal investigator in preparing progress reports and final summaries for granting agencies. Depending on interest and availability of funds, the Junior Specialist will have opportunities to present research findings at scientific conferences or meetings.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist will actively contribute to lab activities via presentations lab meetings and unit / campus events. The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities, such as mentoring undergraduate students.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

• Baccalaureate degree in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Background in molecular genetics and plant physiology.
• Knowledge of basic molecular techniques and plant care.

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

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 / JPF07222

Help contact : qrush@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

Davis, CA