Junior Specialist - Hematology Oncology

Position Overview

Salary range (Exempt) 55,000 at step 1 or $58,600 at step 2

Salary range (Non-Exempt) $26.35/ hr at Step 1 or $28.07/ hr at Step 2

• Open date:
  October 20, 2025
• Most recent review date:
  Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
• Final date:
  Tuesday, Jun 30, 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.

The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Junior Specialist in cancer research.

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator in planning, execution, and management of research projects.
• Assist in research activities: data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, data analysis, literature reviews, manuscript preparation.
• Assist with laboratory setup, organization, and maintenance; ensure the lab is fully equipped and operational.
• Work under the supervision of Dr. Maxine Umeh Garcia and maintain cooperative and collegial working relationships.

• Plan and execute research projects in coordination with PI and senior researchers, focusing on primary breast cancer and metastasis.
• Collect and interpret data to contribute to publishable research.
• Review relevant journal manuscripts and literature related to cancer biology and experimental protocols.
• Collect, process, and store biospecimens, including associated clinical outcomes data.
• Assist in the physical setup and organization of the laboratory, including arrangement of equipment and supplies.
• Coordinate procurement and inventory management of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Maintain and organize an inventory system to track usage and expiration of supplies.
• Help set up and calibrate laboratory equipment according to protocols.

• Participate in departmental seminars, journal clubs, lab meetings, and other activities.
• Attend and present at local professional meetings.
• Collaborate to prepare conference abstracts, posters, and presentations.
• Contribute to dissemination of research findings to scientific and patient communities.

• Provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants rotating through the lab.
• Participate in laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and outreach activities.
• Engage with university and community outreach as applicable.

Number of positions available: 1

Term of appointment: One year with possibility to extend to two years maximum, based on research project needs.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by 10/28/2025. However, this position will remain open until 06/30/2026.

Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files via (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07356

QUESTIONS:
Please direct questions to Brenda Lavell .

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field such as Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.

• General understanding of scientific principles.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principles to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Highly motivated, dedicated, and independent.
• Strong team player.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (gel electrophoresis, RNA/DNA extractions, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence).
• Experience with tissue culture techniques.

• Experience working with clinical biospecimens (human tumor tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid) under IRB-compliant protocols.
• Familiarity with cancer biology, especially breast cancer and/metastasis-related research.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), or multiplexed tissue imaging platforms (CODEX, MIBI, or similar).
• Familiarity with spatial transcriptomics platforms or workflows (10x Visium, Nano String Geo Mx, etc.) and sample preparation techniques.
• Basic experience with or exposure to RNA sequencing workflows or transcriptomic data analysis.
• Interest or experience in applying systems biology approaches to complex datasets.
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatics tools or data visualization in R or Python (preferred).
• Prior experience contributing to publications, posters, or scientific presentations.