Junior/Assistant Specialist

Laboratory Specialist in Ambrosi LabThe Ambrosi lab at UC Davis Health School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, an academic/clinical department, encompassing several sub-specialties, is seeking a Junior/Assistant Specialist to support cutting-edge studies investigating skeletal stem cell-based cancer biology. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery invites applications from qualified candidates for a Junior/Assistant Specialist position (full-time or part-time) in orthopaedic stem cell research. The Specialist will assist with research projects involving the delineation of skeletal stem cell (SSC) based processes in osteosarcoma as well as to establish novel molecular engineering approaches for targeted treatment of oncogenic malignancies in the skeleton. Previous and ongoing work has comprehensively investigated SSC biology during mouse and human development as well as how alterations in the SSC compartment drive aging by cell-autonomous processes and multi-stem cell system crosstalk. Our long-term goal is to develop strategies to prevent and reverse SSC-based bone aging and diseases. The Specialist will be responsible for coordinating regular everyday lab operations. The Specialist will be assisting laboratory members in the preparation and analysis of primary skeletal stem cell populations isolated from mouse and human tissues. The Specialist will assist multiple projects and must manage time efficiently in doing so. The Specialist will work independently under general guidance from the postdocs/grad students and must have the ability to recognize irregularities in experimental results and modify experiments as needed. Multiple basic techniques and skills are desired and include: techniques of molecular biology, tissue culture, qPCR and RNA extraction. Depending on the experience and time the Specialist will be able to develop and maintain independent projects. Additionally, the Specialist will order supplies and prepare some reagents for use by other members of the lab and will train new researchers in basic protocols and analyses. The Ambrosi lab offers an inclusive, multidisciplinary, and collaborative work environment. We strive to conduct cutting edge research at the forefront of orthopaedic research. The Specialist will be able to learn and apply the latest methodologies, including single cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, in vitro and in vivo stem cell assays. We anticipate that the Specialist will be attending and presenting at major scientific conferences as well as significantly contribute to publications as an author. We also encourage and offer full mentoring support for grad/med school applications. The resulting hire will be at the Junior/Assistant Specialist rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000/year at Step 1 and $60,700/year for Step 2 for Jr. Specialist exempt, $27.30 hourly for Step 1 and $29.08 hourly for Step 2 for Jr. Specialist non-exempt.$65,800-$73,200/year for Assistant Specialist exempt and $31.52-$35.06 for Assistant Specialist non-exempt.For full consideration, applications must be received by September 13, 2026. However, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2027. Required: Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Authorization to Release Information, and contact information for 2-3 references. Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
•Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in a field that meets the needs of the department
•General understanding of scientific principles
•Wet lab or computational biology experience of advantage
•Experience in orthopaedic research of advantage
•Experience working with mice desired
•Authorship in peer-reviewed publications and conference papers is a plus but no required
•Must have the ability to work cooperatively and collegially within a diverse environment and adhere to University policy and procedures
Number of Positions Available: 1
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.UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
Applications deadline:September 13, 2026
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07790