Junior Specialist- Stolzenberg Lab

The Department of Psychology at the University of California Davis, is recruiting a 50%-time Junior Specialist in the Stolzenberg lab starting immediately. The successful candidate will participate in a research program examining interactions between sex, stress and psychedelics. This appointment is for one year.

Research (90%) – A major duty of this role is translating conceptual hypotheses into feasible, reproducible experimental protocols—co-developing experimental paradigms, SOPs, and timelines. Specific duties include:

Planning and executing rodent studies that include rodent behavioral testing, rodent estrous staging (daily vaginal cytology), rodent surgeries, intraperitoneal drug administration, and histological analyses.

Converting study aims into standardized operational protocols in accordance with IACUC guidelines with feasible timelines and logistics.

Maintaining rigorous publication-quality records of all data and research methods.

Professional Competence (5%) – Participate in lab meetings/journal clubs; conduct targeted literature reviews; contribute text/figures to manuscripts; attend relevant seminars.

University & Public Service (5%) – Train and mentor undergraduate researchers in data collection and laboratory safety, assist with laboratory inspections, compliance, troubleshooting, and administrative tasks (ordering supplies, etc.).

BA/BS in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or related field (or equivalent research experience).

Hands-on rodent experience (handling, injections, behavioral assays, IACUC compliance) and basic data analysis (Excel).

Meticulous record-keeping, communication and teamwork skills.

Availability to work on weekends.

Experience with rodent surgeries, vaginal cytology, and histology.

• 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.

• 2-3 letters of reference required

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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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