Open Positions in Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Position overview
Salary Range: For Jr. Specialist (Exempt) a reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 at Step 1 and - $60,700 at Step 2.
Application Window
Open Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Next Review Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final Date: Monday, Nov. 2, 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 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one qualified Junior Specialist to work 100 % time under the direction of Professor Dennis Hartigan-O'Connor.
Research 90%:
This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in viral pathogenesis and vaccines against viruses. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research in molecular and bioinformatic aspects of HIV/SIV pathogenesis; performing pipelines for scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data processing; participation in performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, Real Time PCR Assays; performing histology and immunochemistry; providing assistance in tissue processing; participation in animal studies under supervision; and evaluation of T cell-binding fusion proteins by flow cytometry, immunochemistry and imaging and cell cultures. The candidate will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data and perform data analysis, and will receive training by post-doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the principal investigator in order to participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data by looking at the data gathered from the experiment that has produced the data and evaluate the information in order to consult with the PI and senior researchers. Duties also include laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance include assisting senior researchers in the preparation of BUA and animal use protocols, maintenance of lab safety protocols, preparation of bacterial cell culture plates, management of specimen inventory, data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and placing requests for orders to the business office. The candidate will be expected to attend lab meetings and when appropriate, will present data to their laboratory peers and will contribute to scholarly articles by providing their research findings, data, and write-ups on the work performed and may participate in writing manuscript portions in relation to their research findings.
Professional Competence 5%:
The candidate will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods for the project that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings.
Public Service 5%:
The candidate will also provide University/public service by providing mentor ship of undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety and training in work and data analysis.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree in Human Biology or a related field with wet-lab experience with non-human primate samples, lymphocyte isolation, hematological analysis of blood components, and flow cytometry.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
Coursework and/or experience relevant to antiretroviral therapy for lentiviral infections, chemokine receptors, and immunoassays. Experience in supporting virology experiments in animals. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team and will exhibit a professional approach to work and attention to detail.
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)
Help Contact: amysaini@ucdavis.edu
Position Overview
Salary Range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 at Step 1 or $60,700 at Step 2
Application Window
Open Date: Aug. 3, 2026
Next Review Date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final Date: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 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
NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one qualified Jr. Specialist to work 100% under the direction of Verena Link, Assistant Professor.
Link seeks to fill the Jr. Specialist position with a start date of Oct. 1, 2026, or later.
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)
This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on the exploration of the nutrition-microbiome-immune cell crosstalk and their interaction with tissues in genetically diverse mice and human patients.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, participation in performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, providing assistance in immunostaining and flow cytometry experiments, providing assistance in tissue processing, participation in animal studies under supervision, providing assistance in mouse colony management, and providing assistance in preparation of multi-omics assays.
The Jr. Specialist will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data and perform data analysis, and will receive training by post-doctoral fellows and senior researchers in order to participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data by looking at the data gathered from the experiment that has produced the data and evaluate the information in order to consult with senior researchers.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)
The Jr. Specialist will be responsible for laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance include assisting senior researchers in the preparation of BUA and animal use protocols, maintenance of lab safety protocols, preparation of bacterial cell culture plates, management of diet inventory, data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and placing requests for orders to the business office.
The Jr. Specialist will be expected to attend lab meetings and when appropriate will present data to their laboratory peers and will contribute to scholarly articles by providing their research findings, data, and write-ups on the work performed and may participate in writing manuscript portions in relation to their research findings.
The Jr. Specialist will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods for the project that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The Jr. Specialist will also provide University/public service by providing mentorship to undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology or a related field with prior laboratory experience in immunology or molecular techniques.
Preferred Qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
- Coursework and/or experience to perform immunology and molecular biology techniques.
- Prior experience with immunostaining and flow cytometry.
- Computer skills pertaining to scientific data entry and usage.
- The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team and will exhibit a professional approach to work and attention to detail.
Application Requirements
Document Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research (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.
- Statement of Teaching (Optional)
Reference Requirements
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help Contact: amysaini@ucdavis.edu
Postdoctoral Scholar (3252) Position Available at the University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
Overview
One NIH-funded Postdoctoral Scholar (3252) position is available in the Link Laboratory at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine at 100% FTE. The Link Laboratory is interested in exploring the nutrition-microbiome-immune cell crosstalk through the lens of macrophages and their interaction with tissues in genetically diverse mice and human patients utilizing cutting edge multi-omics technologies.
To support our current ongoing activities, we are looking for a postdoctoral scientist with experience in immunology. We will prefer a candidate with a strong background in mucosal immunology and experience with innate immunity. In addition, experience with high throughput sequencing (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, single cell RNA-seq etc.), microbiome analysis, and animal handing are highly desirable.
For additional information about the project, contact directly Verena Link (vlink@ucdavis.edu).
Experience Required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- M.D. and/or Ph.D. in molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, or relevant scientific discipline by appointment start date
- Experience in general immunology
- Experience in cell-based assays including flow cytometry
- Excellent communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in mucosal immunology, innate immunity, microbiome and next-generation sequencing methods, as well as animal handling is highly desirable.
The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check and health screening prior to their first day of employment per university policy.
Our lab is a member of the interactive and collaborative Medical Microbiology and Immunology group, comprised of an outstanding community of scientists and laboratories across the medical campus.
The University of California Davis School of Medicine in Davis, California, is consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation for primary care training and research. The UC Davis School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading medical schools, committed to providing the best student-centered educational experiences. Our school encompasses a diverse group of medical and graduate students guided by faculty dedicated to improving lives and transforming health for all. As part of UC Davis Health, the School of Medicine is helping train the nation’s healthcare workforce and preparing them to become future leaders in health and research for our communities.
The University of California, Davis offers an exciting collaborative working environment, the possibility to interact with interdisciplinary research groups, and a HIGHLY competitive salary and benefits. Davis is a beautiful college town with a laid back and friendly vibe, ideally situated near world-famous wine-growing regions and Lake Tahoe. You can walk or bike from the main campus to the main street in a few blocks.
Job Duties:
- Participate in planning, designing, and executing technical and complex research projects, as assigned under the direction of a supervisor
- Contribute to grant application and publications
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative research team
Additional Information: Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a complete bibliography, and a statement of research interests to directly Verena Link, Ph.D.; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, vlink@ucdavis.edu.
