Skip to main content

Junior Specialist, Szumlinksi Lab, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% is $58,300 to $72,500 annually.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: October 2026 or later
Position duration: This will be a one-year position with a comprehensive benefits package with the possibility of renewal. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: September 9, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 23, 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

Dr. Karen Szumlinski's laboratory is seeking a full time Junior Specialist. The Junior Specialist will participate fully in research focused on the biochemical consequences of repeated stimulant and alcohol exposure. The position involves establishing, maintaining and the daily operation of an automated immunoblotting system, to include protocol development, sample preparation, protein detection, as well as data analyses. Will also perform conventional immunoblotting and immunohistochemical procedures to include image analysis., assisting with training undergraduate student RAs, data management, statistical analysis, assisting the PI and research team with presentations at lab meetings and at psychology and neuroscience conferences, and authorship on academic research articles. Additional duties will include: contributing to administrative tasks of the lab, such as managing EHS training for laboratory personnel, creating standard operating procedures, and ordering, as well as maintaining lab supplies to assure all research projects are executed properly. Candidates must be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others, have strong multi-tasking, problem-solving, interpersonal, and organizational skills. The Junior Specialist will also engage in specialized research, professional activity, and University and/or public service. Specialists use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed or currently be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in BioPsychology, Biochemistry, Biology, Neuroscience or related field.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Applicants currently enrolled in a BA or BS program, must have a bachelor’s degree conferred by the start date of the position

At least 12 months of experience managing a research laboratory in the biological sciences.

Preferred qualifications

At least 12 months experience in standard laboratory techniques, including immunoblotting and/or immunohistochemistry, preferably in the establishment of new biochemical and/or molecular biology protocols/procedures.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants that are chosen for an interview will have their references contacted after the interview.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03157

Help contact: pamelawilks@ucsb.edu

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.

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 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 status under state or federal law.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA