SPECIALIST for Dr. Eliza Bliss-Moreau Lab

Position overview

Salary range: $65,800-$75,800 for Assistant Specialist; $78,300-$93,800 for Associate Specialist; $96,500-$212,00 for Full Specialist

Application Window

Open date: August 6, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Sep 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Sunday, Oct 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The Bliss-Moreau Laboratory at the National Biomedical Research Institute (NBRI), UC Davis is seeking a Specialist (of any rank) to join our team working on our womb-to-tomb neuroanatomy projects evaluating structural variation and plasticity of the "affective brain" and/or behavior projects tracking affective/social/cognitive development across the lifespan. Located at the NBRI, the laboratory works primarily with rhesus monkeys. Comfort working with monkeys in a variety of settings is a must, as is the ability to physically move monkeys and equipment which can often weigh upwards of 50 lbs (including between buildings during our summers). We are seeking highly motivated lab members who can manage their time well to carry out tasks, trouble shoot challenges as they arise, work well in the context of a fast moving and dynamic team, communicate directly, and do not need to be "micromanaged" to accomplish goals.

The Specialist will contribute to our ongoing work by carrying out active studies that may be behavioral or neuroscientific in nature. Behavioral studies include observations of social behavior and testing monkeys on cognitive and affective tasks in the laboratory (with touch screens, while chaired in front of an eye tracker, etc.). Neuroscientific studies include both neuroimaging (MRI) and histological methods. The ideal candidate will have interest and strengths in one or both domains. While the junior specialist title is often used in the University of California as a "post bac" position (limited to two years); the other specialist titles are career positions. Level of appointment (junior, assistant, associate, full specialist) will be determined based on education and experience. Specific job description will be determined with job level. A general description is provided below.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

90% Research, including but not exclusive to

• Behavioral: train animals to participate in testing
• Behavioral: carry out behavioral data collection including social behavior observations, and cognitive testing and affective testing in a variety of settings including home cages, touch screen lab, in an eye tracker, and in a cardiac physiology lab
• Neuroscience: collecting and processing imaging and histological data
• Neuroscience: prepare solutions, medias, and buffers
• Neuroscience: use laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, etc. employing best laboratory practices
• Neuroscience: manage reagents, frozen tissue archives, and other laboratory resources
• Maintain laboratory spaces and equipment
• Maintain datasets, including data entry, checking data for errors, and documentation to support both analysis and open/sharing data practices
• Carry out literature reviews for current and future projects
• Participate in the generation of abstracts and manuscripts, with specific tasks calibrated by level of appointment

5% Professional Competence, including but not exclusive to

• Participate in investigator and group meetings.
• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Assist with literature reviews and dissemination of results.

5% University and Public Service

• Participate in institute-wide or university-level committees
• Review manuscripts/abstracts when applicable
• Work with/mentor laboratory trainees

Physical Demands

• Perform diversified tasks that may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing.
• Must be able to comfortably lift and move at least 50 lbs regularly.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
• Manual and visual dexterity to perform all duties with emphasis on attention to detail and the operation and maintenance of equipment is essential.
• Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level 2 conditions where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, lab coats, gloves, masks, face shields, and head and shoe covers.

Unit: The Bliss-Moreau Laboratory

Work Environment: Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements. Must be willing to perform assigned duties in a BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV or Herpes B virus; working area is located within a defined animal area and may include biohazards.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

• Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Anthropology, Animal Behavior, Animal Science, or equivalent.
• Candidates who possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization will be considered for the Assistant rank.
• Candidates who possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience demonstrated expertise in the relevant specialization will be considered for the Associate rank.
• Candidates who possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization will be considered for the Full Specialist rank.
• Experience in a research laboratory (number of years experience determines job level)
• Experience using MS Excel (or comparable) for data entry, upload, review, and maintenance.
• Experience with statistical software for managing data sets.
• Experience following research protocols, and oral/written instructions with attention to detail.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact professionally with a diverse group of people including but not limited to investigators, visitors, veterinarians, students and staff.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use, handling, monitoring, measurement and disposal of biohazardous substances.
• Problem-solving skills for research and technical problems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Organizational skills to coordinate projects, summarize data, prioritize workload and follow schedules, meet deadlines, to accommodate changes in projects as the need arises, and strict attention to detail with high level of efficiency

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with neuroanatomical procedures and analyses
• Experience working with nonhuman primate tissue
• Experience using statistical software for managing data sets.
• Laboratory experience processing biological samples.
• Skills to make the appropriate judgment to report when an animal requires veterinary attention, and to recognize changes in animal physical appearance or behavior.
• Ability to use scientific terminology effectively.
• Experience working in a BSL2 facility.
• Experience working with rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) or other nonhuman primates.
• Experience utilizing formal behavioral observation methods and techniques to monitor and record social interactions among nonhuman primates.
• Experience working in physical contact with nonhuman primates.
• Knowledge of rhesus macaque behavior.
• Experience manipulating and analyzing computerized records of behavioral observations.
• Independent thinking and problem-solving skills for research and technical problems.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• 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.
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• Reference requirements: 3-5 required (contact information only)

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Job location

Davis, CA