Junior Specialist - Sadegh Lab

Position overview

Salary range: Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2. Non-Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $26.35/hr at Step 1 or $28.07/hr at Step 2.

Open date: February 25, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Mar 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 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.

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants to apply for a Junior Specialist position in Dr. Sadegh lab. The Junior Specialist will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in the neurosciences, specifically on mechanisms and pathologies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis in disorders relevant to neurosurgery. Such disorders include hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and epilepsy.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Sadegh and will require the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The successful candidate will be a member of our rapidly expanding, interactive research team and will engage in scholarly discussions with colleagues on new ideas and concepts. They will perform skilled procedures, collect and analyze data, and prepare respective figures for scientific publications.

A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Principal Investigator and lab personnel on investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of CSF production, absorption and homeostasis and related disorders using cell culture and animal models. The junior specialist will perform technical/routine lab activities required to accomplish the research project. It is expected that the Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments using a variety of neuroscience and general biology research techniques (including brain dissection and extraction of CSF from animal models, live imaging, cell culture, molecular biology, animal colony maintenance, and genotyping).

Additional training will be provided in the laboratory.

• Review literature and experiment planning.
• Carry out the experiments. Collect and analyze experimental data.
• Graphing and presenting data on the lab meetings. Contribute to scientific publications.

B. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Principal Investigator and lab personnel to assist on lab organization and training of new lab personnel on experimental procedures and other lab duties.

Other responsibilities include assisting Dr. Sadegh's group in lab management duties:

• Establishing lab safety and experimental protocols.
• Record keeping of lab supplies.
• Assisting with lab orders.
• Assisting with animal protocol updates.
• Assisting with the training of others in the lab.
• Maintaining lab space organization

The Junior Specialist will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information at the professional meetings, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities.

The Junior Specialist may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable.

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills.
• The ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering.

• Candidates who seek advanced degrees in the neurosciences or related fields.
• A general interest in neurosurgery is recommended, as the PI is a neurosurgeon-scientist.
• The candidate should have at least 1 year of experience working with cellular and molecular biology techniques in the neurosciences (including brain sectioning, immunostaining, in situ hybridization, image quantifications, and basic statistics). This may include laboratory experience during undergraduate studies.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• 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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07525

Help contact: margodfrey

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be…