Junior Specialist Dr. Zawadzki's lab UC Davis Eye Center

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Open date: July 16, 2025

Most recent review date: Saturday, Jan 31, 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: Thursday, Jul 16, 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.

Junior Specialist Position

Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science

UC Davis School of Medicine

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at the UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full‑time Junior Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support and coordination for the research studies of Dr. Robert Zawadzki. The position requires an individual with a background in molecular and cell biology or biomedical engineering / ophthalmic imaging and experience in studying animal models.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a team. The incumbent will also be expected to analyze and prepare data for both oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in future careers in science, technology or medicine to gain experience in a stimulating and interactive laboratory environment.

The incumbent will participate in the following duties:

• Planning, execution and presentation of research on mouse models of eye diseases. A successful candidate will participate in lab activities, particularly around issues of image acquisition, processing and innovative programming for data acquisition and processing.
• In vivo and ex vivo mouse retinal imaging with selection of retinal areas for testing. This will be done in collaboration with PIs specializing in specific mouse models. Creative solutions will be required to image retinal layers below regions that have been compromised by retina degeneration.
• Genotyping and maintaining multiple mouse colonies, DNA isolation, PCR, tissue extraction as well as staining slides with antibodies (immunohistochemistry).
• Help with lab maintenance, including staying compliant with safety standards and inspections, ordering lab supplies, as well as completing paperwork.
• Active involvement in the preparation of manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator. This can include reviewing relevant literature; describing methods and results used to acquire the data; presenting and analyzing data retrieved; constructing clear and informative figures; interpreting the results.

Professional Competence (10%):

The candidate will be expected to attend symposia and conferences, and participate in and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs, and other activities, as applicable. The incumbent will present research at regional and appropriate national meetings such as ARVO and Photonic West. Presentations will be delivered in poster and/or oral format.

University and Public Service (5%):

The candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab, and participate in and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.

As a full‑time research group member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training, and mentoring.

The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate students from UC Davis. He/She will actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field with a minimum of one year of experience in undergraduate laboratory research, a demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions and communicate ideas. In addition, the ability…