Open Positions in Medical Microbiology and Immunology
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.
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: July 6, 2026
Next Review Date: Tuesday, Jul 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final Date: Wednesday, Aug 5, 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.
Position Description
The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist to work 100% time under the direction of Professor Andreas Baumler.
This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in bacterial pathogenesis for 85% of the time. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research on molecular aspects of Salmonella pathogenesis, performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, Real Time PCR Assays, subcloning DNA fragments into vectors, transforming bacteria, plating bacteria for quantitation, and working with bacterial samples in an anaerobic chamber, running protein gels and Western blots, providing assistance in tissue processing, participation in animal (both conventional and gnotobiotic mice) studies under supervision, performing immunochemistry and imaging and cell culture. The candidate will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data, perform data analysis, and will receive training by post-doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the principal investigator. The candidate will participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data and evaluation of the information in order to consult with the PI and senior researchers.
10% of the duties involve laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance, including assisting senior researchers in the preparation of BUA and animal use protocols, maintenance of lab safety protocols, management of specimen inventory, data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies, placing requests for orders to the business office, preparation of bacterial cell culture plates, and preparing supplies and cages for the gnotobiotic facility. 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. The candidate will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings.
The candidate will also provide University/public service at 5% by providing mentorship of undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety and training in work and data analysis.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Nutrition or a related field with prior laboratory experience.
Preferred Qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
Coursework and/or experience to perform molecular biology techniques. Computer skills pertaining to scientific data entry and usage. Experience with animal (mouse) studies. Experience in developing or adapting experimental tools and assays. 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
