What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Specialist - Dugger Lab position at University of California - Davis?
Open date: April 17, 2026
Most recent review date: Monday, May 4, 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: Monday, Aug 31, 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.
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a Junior Specialist position in the Dugger Lab (Neuropathology Core).
Under the supervision of Dr. Dugger, the Junior Specialist will assist in research activities related to neuropathology and biorepository operations. The incumbent will support brain autopsy programs, tissue processing, data management, and coordination of research activities related to neurodegenerative disease research.
The incumbent will demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.
This recruitment is conducted at the Junior rank. The resulting hire will be at the Junior rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.
General responsibilities:
RESEARCH (90%):
* ~10 days/month (including nights/weekends) perform duties for on-call brain autopsy including carrying a cell phone and/or pager when on duty, responding by phone to calls 24/7 within 10 minutes of being called, reporting for duty at procurement facility within one and a half hours of being called, receiving the body from the transport company according to standard protocols, dissecting and processing the brain and associated samples according to standard protocols, and completing all documentation related to the autopsy.
* Help coordinate and manage research autopsy and sample utilization programs
* Adhere to current protocols associated with program workflows
* Manage datasets, records, and research documentation
* Aid with digital microscope techniques, including scanning of microscope slides
* Mentor student employees in the laboratory as required
* Conduct, oversee, and provide feedback including but not limited to the following laboratory techniques: 1) brain procurements and dissections, 2) database input and management; 3) tissue sample tracking and distribution; 4) quality control; and 5) tissue-related technologies-including digital microscopy.
* Correctly use and maintain laboratory equipment such as bone saw, digital slide scanner, micro-plate reader, balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods
* Update, modify, and revise plans for standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
* Aid with autopsy to lab program by coordinating between autopsy coordinator, transportation services, neuropathology experts, and tissue technicians while preserving sample integrity.
* Assure compliance with laboratory safety and state, federal and institutional regulation and guidelines.
* Other related jobs assigned by supervisor
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5%):
* The incumbent will aid in large scale collaboration investigating the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and related brain disorders, using human and non-human tissue samples. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop interpersonal and communication skills in bioscience research via coordination between autopsy coordinators, hospital or funeral home administrators, neuropathology experts, laboratory staff, and tissue technologists.
* The incumbent will be given opportunities to enhance written and verbal abilities in laboratory meetings and the departmental meeting and other on-campus events.
* The incumbent will be given the opportunities to organize clinical research activities such as clinicopathological correlation and biomarker discovery. In this capacity, the incumbent is encouraged to read appropriate literature and discuss during laboratory meetings.
* The incumbent will be encouraged to have membership with appropriate societies and participate in appropriate meetings and groups on-campus.
UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%):
* Mentorship of volunteer and undergraduate students
* The incumbent will participate in community outreach events, such as the brain to classrooms program
Number of Positions Available: 1
Term of Appointment: One year with the possibility to extend to two maximum, based on the needs of the research project. 100% Appointment.
For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07578
-Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a related field
-Willingness to be on call ~10 days/month (work outside typical hours) to facilitate autopsy program
-Good communication skills and evidence of exceptional ability to follow instructions
-Knowledge of lab management and safety protocol. Ability to organize work, maintain quality control inventory and operational protocols.
-Proficient computer skills including spreadsheet and database software
-Ability to create, update, maintain, retrieve, and compile information within a database
-Fair knowledge in neuroanatomy and ability to work with human tissues with respect and care
-Ability to abide by safety and patient privacy regulations. Able to safely work with tissue fixatives, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen
-Ability to coordinate with coworkers with a wide range of professional backgrounds and to communicate professionally and effectively
-Flexible to changing demands of research tasks
-Professional approach to work and attention to detail
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
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- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: mlgvang@ucdavis.edu
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Salary : $55,000