Junior Specialist - Muth Lab_Nest Construction

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 : October 14, 2025

Next review date : Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date : Friday, Jan 23, 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 Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist (JPF07332) in the Muth Lab_Nest Construction.

I. Research (90%)

This position is a research-based position conducting experiments on the construction behavior of bumblebees. The duties of the junior specialist will include : setting up microcolonies of bumblebees, maintaining microcolonies and colonies (feeding, cleaning), 3-D printing experimental apparatus, collecting data daily on experimental progression, typing data up into excel. Data analysis and writing will be conducted by the PI but the junior specialist will have the opportunity to learn some of these skills if they so wish (but is optional). The candidate will utilize their experience conducting research, preferably related to animal behavior, with an emphasis on bees and / or work conducted in field settings such as pollination studies.

II. Professional competence (5%)

The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting and will present to that same forum an average of 2 times a year on the research progress made. The candidate will be allowed to engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public.

III. Service (5%)

The incumbent will act as a mentor for undergraduate volunteers in the lab, and provide training in lab procedures.

Lab : https : / / www.beecognition.com /

Department : https : / / npb.ucdavis.edu /

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Candidate must have an earned Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree). They should have experience with instrumentation and research equipment, software programs and research methodology.

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

The candidate should demonstrate competence in the use of basic computer programs, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and related applications. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organizational skills and the ability to execute experiments with precision. The role requires a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

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

• 2 required (contact information only)

Please submit the names and email addresses of 3 references.

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07332

Help contact : kmismith@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, California