Careers in Basic Sciences at UC Davis School of Medicine

The Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is actively recruiting one full-time faculty member at the Assistant or Associate rank in the Ladder or combined Ladder/in-Residence Professor series who is committed to building and maintaining an excellent, diverse, and inclusive faculty, staff and student body. While the Department continues to expand in all areas of cell and molecular biology, we are seeking a candidate with research programs that synergize with existing strengths in developmental biology, neurobiology, vision research, stem cell biology, gene editing, and disease modeling.

Applicants with expertise in nanoscale and advanced image analysis, computational biology, genomics, and/or systems biology are also encouraged to apply. The successful candidate’s research program is expected to complement additional campus strengths, including translational research, in the School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering, Centers for Neuroscience and Vision Science, and Institute for Regenerative Cures.

The successful candidate is expected to build and maintain a high-quality extramurally funded research program, achieve excellence in teaching medical and/or graduate students, provide service to the University community appropriate to their career stage, and contribute to a collegial and collaborative academic environment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience
• Outstanding record of research creativity, independence and productivity
• Capacity to foster collegiality and work collaboratively
• Ability to communicate effectively as a teacher.

TO APPLY:

This position will remain open until filled.

Apply Link

Qualified applicants should submit:

• One-page cover letter detailing qualifications for this position, including how their research would enrich and complement programs in the department
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (1 page summarizing past research, 2 pages about future directions)
• Statement of teaching experience and philosophy (1 page)
• Names of 3-5 individuals who can provide letters of recommendation upon request
• Signed authorization to release information

Position Overview

Salary Range: Non-exempt: $27.30 per hour (Step 1) or $29.08 per hour (Step 2)
Exempt: $57,000 per year (Step 1) or $60,700 per year (Step 2)

Application Window

Open Date: Aug. 26, 2026

Next Review Date: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final Date: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (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 Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, are recruiting for a one (1) full-time, Junior Specialist(s) in the field of developmental neuroscience. Junior Specialist positions are short-term appointments, up to two-years.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for a particular project.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)
   

   The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), and other research personnel, on studies related to developmental neuroscience. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) in specialized areas. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

   • The selected candidate is expected to work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members on research projects related to neuronal development, neuron migration, and nervous system morphogenesis. The candidate will plan and execute experiments including maintaining and breeding mice, collect samples, perform immunohistological assays, image and record data, and genotyping. The candidate will also play a key role in animal inventory and care, maintaining lab supplies, and general laboratory organization.
   • The candidate is expected to actively communicate with the PI to design, execute, and analyze data from research projects the candidate is directly involved with. Moreover, the candidate is expected to review and be up to date with scientific literature related to their project from appropriate journals, including but not limited to: Development, Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and Developmental Cell.
   • The candidate will participate in weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars such as Research in Progress seminars, and other relevant research seminars on campus. In these meetings, the candidate will: present their own research results or recent research journal articles relevant to the projects and/or engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.
2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
   In a later stage of employment, the candidate is expected to attend and present data in regional conferences or retreats with the topics on developmental neurobiology. Additionally, the candidate will assist the PI in reviewing research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.
3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
   The Simo and La Torre labs have several undergraduate researchers and the incumbent will provide mentorship to these undergraduate students.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: (The basic qualifications must be evaluable from the CV and/or Cover Letter.)

• Bachelor's Degree in Neurobiology, Cell Biology or related field. Degree must be awarded before start date. Applicants with an M.S. or Ph.D. will not be considered, as this is an entry-level role.
• Minimum of 3-month experience in laboratory research either before or after the degree. Applicants should have no more than 2 years of post-bachelor's laboratory research experience.
• Research experience in PCR-based genotyping, histological techniques, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy and western blotting is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Experience using cell-based assays to study the role of miRNAs during developmental biology is preferred.

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• 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

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply Link

Help Contact: BasicSciencesHR@health.ucdavis.edu