Antimicrobial Discovery Trainee

Position overview
Position title: Antimicrobial Discovery Trainee (Junior Specialist)
Salary range: The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Specialist Series Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $58,600.

Percent time: Part-time (75%)

Anticipated start: November 1, 2025

Position duration: November 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

Application Window

Open date: September 18, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Oct 20, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jan 9, 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 Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a part-time Antimicrobial Discovery Trainee. Under the direction of Professor Victoria Auerbuch Stone, the trainee will contribute to a research program on antimicrobial drug discovery. This short-term opportunity is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain more research experience prior to graduate school.

Duties will include the culture and handling of Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) pathogens and the evaluation of antimicrobial effects on bacterial populations. The trainee will also participate in laboratory group meetings, assist with ordering equipment, and contribute to writing manuscripts for publications.

Additionally, the incumbent will receive academic preparation and professional development support, which will include holistic mentorship and assistance with graduate school applications, travel to a national scientific conference, funding for a GRE preparation course, and participation in professional development workshops.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to effectively work both independently and as part of a team. Applicants with experience using techniques such as microscopy and RNA sequencing are strongly encouraged to apply.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.



Auerbach Stone Lab: https://auerbuchstonelab.sites.ucsc.edu

Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology: https://science.ucsc.edu/department/metx/


Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• B.S. or B.A. degree (or an equivalent foreign degree) in a field related to biomedical sciences, such as microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.
• A minimum of one year of post-baccalaureate research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related biomedical field.

Your application must demonstrate (e.g., in your C.V. or cover letter) that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.


Application Requirements


Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., including a list of any scientific manuscripts and/or publications you have contributed.
  
Cover Letter - Letter of application that outlines your previous biomedical research experience, approaches you've used, the specific skills you hope to gain from this position, your academic goals, and the types of roles you ultimately see yourself progressing to in your chosen field. Also, please describe your previous pursuits of post-baccalaureate research-focused educational opportunities.

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Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01999

Help contact: vastone@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz


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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicants previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz


Job location

Santa Cruz, CA


To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01999

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