Junior Specialist- Department Research Support 2026-2027

The Department of Surgery at the University of California, Davis invites applications for multiple qualified Junior Specialists for research support across the 12 surgical divisions. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on basic science research. The successful candidates will also participate in research laboratory support such as assisting with various research projects, organizing and maintaining lab supplies, research documentation searches and working with volunteers and students.

The appointees will work under the supervision of one of our many Researchers. Our surgical specialties include bariatric and metabolic surgery, burn surgery, colorectal surgery, cardiac surgery endocrine surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, general thoracic surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, pediatric surgery oncologic surgery, plastic surgery, transplant surgery, vascular surgery, trauma and acute care and surgical critical care surgery.

General responsibilities may include: RESEARCH (80%):

• Develop, perform, and contribute to translational and basic science research projects
• Manage datasets, records, and research documentation
• Educate students and mentor students in the laboratory as required
• Prepare laboratory orders and maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies •Participate in the writing and preparing of manuscripts and research publications Writing, and editing various grant proposals including grant renewal applications Contribute to translational and basic science research projects
• Ensure laboratory supplies are well stocked, and laboratory work areas are kept clean and free of potential contamination issues.
• Perform pathology techniques (tissue fixation/embedding, cryosectioning, and staining) on animal tissue samples
• Establish and maintain human and animal cell culture lines using sterile techniques
• Independently perform cellular and molecular biology assays including flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, and immunocytochemistry
• Prepare sterile media/reagents and maintain sterile facilities (incubator)
• Correctly use and maintain laboratory equipment such as micro-plate reader, balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods
• Update/ modify standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
• Other related jobs assigned by supervisor PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (10%):
• Participation in surgery and bioengineering conferences and professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations
• Review of journal manuscripts and other publications related to surgery and bioengineering research
• Additional education and credentials as related to surgery and bioengineering research UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10%):
• Committee service for lab safety, animal care, facilities, and mentorship of volunteer students