Associate Specialist

The Department of Bioengineering at UCR invites applications for an Associate Specialist to support research investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cnidarian-algal symbiosis using cnidarian model systems. This position will play a key role in advancing experimental workflows related to gene function, host-symbiont interactions, and cellular responses to environmental change. Appointees to the Associate Specialist role should possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular biology, marine science, bioengineering, or a related field, or have demonstrated laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology techniques. The ideal candidate will have experience with animal or algal culture systems, molecular genetics workflows (PCR, RNA/DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis), and careful experimental documentation. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with RNA interference approaches, in situ hybridization methods, or single-cell sequencing workflows, as well as interest in symbiosis biology, coral reef research, or environmental genomics.

Primary responsibilities include:
* Conducting RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in Aiptasia to investigate gene function
* Assisting with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) workflows, including tissue preparation, cell dissociation, library preparation support, and data organization
* Performing in situ hybridization assays to localize gene expression in host tissues
* Carrying out routine molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis)
* Maintaining Aiptasia and algal cultures and preparing samples for sequencing
* Supporting data management, experiment documentation, and general lab operations

Advancement through the specialist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial input. The appointment is expected to begin on March 1, 2026. The duration of the appointment will be for one year, dependent upon grant funding.

Interested individuals should apply online at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02204. Applications must include a cover letter, recently updated curriculum vitae, 1-2 sample publications, contact information for three references, and a statement of research interests. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table(s) https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2025-26-academic-salary-scales.html The salary range for this position is $36.21-$42.15. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive condition. Salary will be commensurate upon education and experience in accordance with university-established salary scales found on the Office of the President's website: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html.

For more information on the Department of Bioengineering, please visit https://www.engr.ucr.edu/
For inquiries and questions please refer to the contact email address under the specific recruitment on the AP Recruit website.

1) Assist with analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, primarily sc RNA-seq and transcriptomic datasets.
2) Conduct functional validation analysis in model systems including cnidarians and single-cell models.
3) Generate figures and visualizations for data interpretation and publication.
4) Support manuscript preparation by contributing methods, results summaries, and figures where appropriate.
5) Maintain organized records of analysis pipelines and results for reproducibility.
6) Collaborate with other lab members and contribute to training or troubleshooting bioinformatics workflows as needed.

* Conducting RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in Aiptasia to investigate gene function
* Assisting with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) workflows, including tissue preparation, cell dissociation, library preparation support, and data organization
* Performing in situ hybridization assays to localize gene expression in host tissues
* Carrying out routine molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis)
* Maintaining Aiptasia and algal cultures and preparing samples for sequencing
* Supporting data management, experiment documentation, and general lab operations

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

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The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

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 under state or federal law. 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.

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.

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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.