Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Davis, CA (NOW HIRING)

Open date: June 18, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, Jul 3, 2026 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: Friday, Jul 24, 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.

The California National Primate Research Center at the University of California, Davis, has an opening for a part-time, non-tenured, academic term appointments as a Junior Specialist for Dr. Hong Ji's lab in our Respiratory Diseases Unit. The successful candidate will participate in all aspects of research on topics such as epigenetics, respiratory diseases, childhood asthma and environmental exposures by working closely with the research team under the direction of the PI. Research models used in the lab include mammalian cell culture, animal models and human specimen. Related responsibilities include design and perform experiments, record data, assistant in lab management, data management/analysis/presentation and grant/report writing and participate in training activities.

In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

Detailed responsibilities are as follows:

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
A. Assist with research activities involving molecular and cell biology, animal research and epigenomic research by working closely with the senior research team, under the direction of the PI and Senior Research Associate. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas:

1. Follow established protocols and perform molecular and cellular techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, pyrosequencing, qPCR, plasmid cloning, ELISA, western blotting, ChIP-seq, flow cytometry, etc.
2. Maintain cell culture and perform experiments following protocols.
3. Maintain mice colonies and assist in the establishment of animal models.
4. Characterize mouse models, including measuring airway hyperresponsiveness, collecting
   Bronchoalveolar Lavage cells, collecting tissues (lungs, spleens, etc.).
5. Acquire biological specimens at necropsy of rhesus monkeys (bronchial epithelial cells, etc.).
6. Perform sample processing and assist with characterization of histology.
7. Assist with management of undergraduate research assistants.
8. Facilitate graduate students' and postdoc's research projects.
9. Contribute to the drafting/editing of manuscripts, grant proposals, and research reports.

B. Perform data collection and data management including, but not exclusive to the following:

1. Collect molecular and cellular data from cell culture and animal models
2. Assist with epigenomic data collection from cell culture and animal models.
3. Perform statistical analysis on quantitative data.
4. Manage collected data, ensuring robust backup systems are in place.
5. Prepare solutions, medias, and buffers as needed.
6. Use laboratory equipment including pyro sequencer, thermocycler, microscopes, centrifuges, Flexivent, etc.
7. Clean equipment and lab spaces.
8. Maintain laboratory and animal records.
9. Assistance with maintenance of equipment and supplies.
10. Participate in group meetings.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to all lab meetings, and will present to that same forum on the research progress made.
B. The candidate will attend seminars and may present research results and is encouraged to interact with professional interest groups.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in mentoring undergraduate students.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

Work Environment

Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.

Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.

Must be willing to perform assigned duties in a BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV or Herpes B virus; working area is located within a defined animal area and may include biohazards.
Work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
Required to wear protective clothing in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.

Work occasional overtime. Work occasional weekends and holidays.
Provide after hours, weekend and holiday emergency support as required.
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related biological sciences field (required at the time of start).

1. A minimum of 2 year of experience working in a research lab.
2. Knowledge and skills in the field of molecular biology and genome research.
3. Knowledge of Scientific Terminology and ability to synthesize publically available medical literature.
4. Analytical ability sufficient to compare data; mathematical ability sufficient to perform algebraic calculations and statistical analysis.
5. Capable of understanding and following verbal and written instructions.
6. Demonstrate high clerical accuracy, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and an independent work initiative.
7. Able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures.
8. Able to identify mistakes and discuss resolution plan.
9. Attention to the veracity of results.
10. Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
11. Capable of meeting time demands necessary to execute experiments.

1. Experience with animal models and mammalian tissue culture.
2. Some bioinformatic skills, experience with computing equipment including Macintosh and PC operating systems, Word, Excel, and statistical analysis programs, among others.
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently, taking initiative, making critical decision and communication of ideas.

• 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.

• Cover Letter (Optional)

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Help contact: ajlanderson@ucdavis.edu

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.

• "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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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.

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.

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 is also a national leader in inclusive practice. 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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.