Jobs

 

Junior Specialist in Neuroscience Research Institute, Stem Cell Biology
and Engineering Lab (LSCBE)

Job #JPF02994

Neuroscience Research Institute / Office of Research / UC Santa Barbara

Apply now: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02994/apply

View this position online:https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02994

Position Overview

Position title: Junior Specialist

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $56,300 -$60,000 annually.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: August 1st or later.

Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year, full time with benefits. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: June 26, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Jul 14, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 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 Neuroscience Research Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a full-time Junior Specialist in the Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering (LSCBE). The appointee will develop methods to optimize the generation, maintenance and analysis of stem cell derived retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE) and retinal organoids cultures. The Junior Specialist will conduct experiments working towards developing therapeutics for inherited retinal disorders including testing small molecules and applying gene therapies. The appointee will develop procedures to maintain and use highly advanced novel research equipment which was recently purchased for LSCBE. The appointee will enable research as part of a team, managed by senior laboratory personnel and support ongoing research activities.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Generate and maintain stem cell-derived organoid cultures
  • Conduct experiment-related tasks that include: characterizing patient derived/CRISPR edited organoid models, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics.
  • Assist in experimental design and optimization
  • Analyze, interpret, and present data in lab meetings or reports
  • Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records
  • Establish procedures for use and maintenance of novel advanced research equipment

Department: https://www.nri.ucsb.edu/

Lab: https://labs.mcdb.ucsb.edu/clegg/dennis/

Lab: https://www.stemcell.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

  • 1 year research experience including basic methods and techniques of stem cell and organoid culture, analysis and maintenance, cell line expansion, IHC, ICC, Western blotting, qPCR
  • 1 year experience with microscopy data compilation, statistical analysis, including Microsoft and Google Suite softwares and GraphPad PRISM

Preferred qualifications

The ideal candidate will have experience in:

  • Laboratory equipment maintenance
  • Strong organizational and communication skills

Application requirements

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements

  • 3-4 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for 3 references. References for the finalists may be contacted if necessary, at the committee's discretion, before extending an offer.

Help contact: cushing@lifesci.ucsb.edu

Job Location: Santa Barbara, CA

 

ABOUT UC SANTA BARBARA:

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

“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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, dishonesty or unethical conduct, 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

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.