Jr. Specialsit
Position overview
Position title: Jr. Specialist NEXApplication Window
Open date: June 11, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Jun 24, 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 Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Riverside, invites applications for a Part Time Junior Specialist Position in Dr. Robert Jinkerson’s lab to oversee and support research and assist with day-to-day laboratory operations, conduct routine experiments and procedures, maintain equipment and supplies, support data collection and organization, and help ensure that the lab operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional policies.
This position is suitable for candidates who are organized, reliable, eager to learn, and interested in contributing to a collaborative research environment. The specific research area, experimental techniques, and project responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of the lab and the candidate’s background.
Appointees to the Junior Specialist rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience, e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, software programs, social science research methods, humanities scholarship, or creative activities.
The candidate must have experience in relevant laboratory techniques, such as sample preparation, microscopy, PCR, cell culture, molecular biology and data collection, collaborating professionally with others, and contributing to the team's research goals.
The preferred qualifications for this position are: Experience with any of the following: algae, tomatoes, Arabidopsis, Nicotiana, lettuce, plant cell cultures, coral, sea anemones, mushrooms. Experience with data management, spreadsheets, coding, statistical software, image analysis, or laboratory information systems.
Advancement through the specialist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial input. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2026. The duration of the appointment will be for one year with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. This is a part-time position and the salary will range from $26.35-$28.07 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with University of California guideline see: ) UCOP Compensation Salary Scales.
Interested individuals should apply online at UC Riverside Academic Personnel Recruit-Position JPF02267 Application Portal. Applications must include a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Review of applications will begin June 22, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
For more information, please visit the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. .
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in a relevant field or equivalent research experience.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols carefully.
Good organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to keep accurate and complete records.
Willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and software tools.
Ability to work independently after training as well as collaboratively in a team.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and ethical research environment.
Reliability, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality when handling research data or sensitive materials.
Prior experience working in a research laboratory, clinical laboratory, field research setting, or similar technical environment.
Experience with one or more relevant laboratory techniques, such as sample preparation, microscopy, PCR, cell culture, histology, behavioral testing, biochemical assays, molecular biology, data collection, or instrumentation.
Experience with any of the following: algae, tomatoes, Arabidopsis, Nicotiana, lettuce, plant cell cultures, coral, sea anemones, mushrooms.
Experience with data management, spreadsheets, coding, statistical software, image analysis, or laboratory information systems.
Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and compliance requirements.
Experience maintaining inventories, ordering supplies, or coordinating laboratory operations.
Ability to troubleshoot routine experimental or equipment-related issues.
Interest in the lab’s research area and in contributing to long-term research projects.
Previous experience working in a collaborative academic, clinical, industry, or interdisciplinary research environment.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Sample publications (Optional)
None
Help contact: trudil@ucr.edu
About UC Riverside
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC’s criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).
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 categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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.
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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.
For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.