Position OverviewSalary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $4,425.00 per month, at step 1, or $4,716.67 per month, at step 2.

This position is

Application Window

Open date: March 11, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Mar 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Apr 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: Research conducted in the Segarra Lab focuses on environmental tolerance to anthropogenic change. This involves utilizing numerous fish species upon which the effect of thermal and salinity stress, contaminant exposure and disease are evaluated using molecular and physiological performance endpoints. The research also incorporates environmental DNA analyses for pathogens associated with fish. The candidate would be willing to assist in all aspects of research, predominantly assisting with molecular approaches; RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR, as well as helping with field and lab-based fish exposures, fish care and maintenance, dissections, sample processing, and data analyses, as required. The candidate will discuss results upon completion and plan appropriate follow up experiments with PI and Post-doctoral researchers. Candidates will assist our research team in 1) understanding the sublethal effects of stressors on fish, with direct implications for the conservation of these species, and 2) monitoring fish pathogens in the San-Francisco Bay-Delta. The applicant will preferably have experience working with fish species.

General responsibilities include the care of sensitive fish species and Zebrafish, coordinating and assisting with exposures using chemicals (e.g., insecticides) and behavioral assays in a wet laboratory. Candidates will also be expected to assist with fish euthanization and dissection. They will occasionally be working in Quonset Hut-type laboratories where temperatures can vary and in temperature-controlled offices and laboratories. Because research involves animals, candidates should be available to work weekends and evenings as required. Must be willing conduct field work to collect environmental samples during various weather conditions. They will have the opportunity of presenting research findings at local technical meetings and professional societies. Travel will be required as part of the work (e.g., fish transport, sample collections), thus a California state driver license will be preferred.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. They will also have demonstrated the attention to detail required to successfully collect, organize and store data.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research (90%):
The candidate will help to design and perform studies under the direction of the PI, post-doc and/or Phd Student’s. The incumbent will help design and execute studies in consultation with the PI and other project scientists. They will provide feedback on aspects of the studies. They will help with collecting and summarizing data, may assist in data analyses, and will provide information to be used for annual and related reports. They will assist the project by writing annual permitting reports and by participating in lab discussions. They will contribute to, edit, and provide feedback on any publications resulting from the work. They will be involved in animal use protocol reporting and compliance, as well as writing protocols. The candidate will help to train undergraduate students and other technical staff in the Segarra laboratory and collaborator’s facilities as appropriate. Other responsibilities include assistance with lab management and coordination of supplies needed for the successful day-to-day running of the lab (e.g., ordering supplies, maintaining the labs, and write SOP, complete safety training tour for new people in the lab).

Professional Competence (5%):
The candidate will have opportunities to participate in regional meetings and is expected to interact with and engage stakeholders and other agencies involved in wildlife management.

University and Public Service (5%):
The Junior Specialist may assist in training or mentoring Junior scientists or undergraduate lab assistants working in the lab, and participate to laboratory, departmental and group meetings, and other activities as applicable.

Application Requirements