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Assistant Specialist - Wang Lab

University of California - Davis
United States, California, Sacramento
Aug 28, 2026
Position overview
Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is between $65,800 and $73,200

(non- exempt $31.52/hr-$35.06/hr).


Application Window


Open date: August 28, 2026




Next review date: Monday, Sep 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.




Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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 Neurology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for a full-time Assistant Specialist in the field of cellular/molecular neuroscience. This position will be under the supervision of Principal Investigator (PI) Yan Wang, PhD, and involves the planning and execution of research projects, manuscript preparation, and grant applications.

Dr. Wang's lab focuses on glial cell biology and pathology in the healthy and diseased central nervous system (CNS), with a particular emphasis on developing therapies for Canavan disease. The lab employs a combination of genetic, molecular, cellular, and high-throughput approaches in both in vitro and in vivo models.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)

The incumbent will

* After technical training, perform basic laboratory work, including, but not limited to, rodent handling and genotyping, rodent brain harvesting, brain section preparation, immunohistochemistry, and routine DNA and protein work, independently or collaboratively with lab researchers

* Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data

* Assist with grant applications and data publications

* Maintain a collaborative and collegial environment in the lab and help other lab members in the performance of their work

* Assist with overseeing the compliance of lab rodent use and care protocols and lab safety protocols

* Provide support to the laboratory and operational activities

* Purchase supplies and equipment and maintain the database of all laboratory supplies, chemicals, and purchases.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)

The incumbent will

* Have opportunities to develop academic presentation skills

* Be encouraged to discuss during lab meetings

* Be encouraged to present their research data at seminars and academic conferences and publish their data at peer-reviewed journals

* Have opportunities to have membership of academic societies.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)

The appointee 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.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.


Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

* Superior problem solving, deductive reasoning, and decision-making skills

* Ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

* Knowledgeable about lab animal (rodents) care and use

* Skills to manage laboratory supplies and to keep neat and accurate records of experimental details.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

* Master's Degree (or equivalent degree) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, or a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* 1-2 years' experience in a lab setting

* Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and Coding (R, Python etc)

* Experience with lab safety

* Experience with immuno-fluorescence staining,

* Experience with basic protein, DNA/RNA work.


Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Cover Letter (Optional)


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


  • Statement of Research (Optional)


  • 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.


  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)


Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07815

Help contact: margodfrey@ucdavis.edu



About UC Davis

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 applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies 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 for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment


To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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 status under state or federal law.

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 UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.



Job location
Sacramento, CA
Applied = 0

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