Junior Specialist – Division of Cardiology

The UC Davis Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Junior Specialist to support research studies focused on cardiovascular disease. This position provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in basic, translational, and clinical research while working alongside physicians, scientists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health through innovative translational research.

Essential Responsibilities:

I. Research (90%)
Clinical and Translational Research Support:

• Assist with ongoing clinical and translational research studies involving human participants.
• Support participant recruitment, screening, and enrollment activities.
• Obtain informed consent from research participants in accordance with approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols.
• Coordinate study visits and research-related activities.
• Interact directly with patients, clinical staff, and research personnel across UC Davis Health facilities and the UC Davis main campus.
• Collect clinical and survey data from study participants.

Data Collection and Management:

• Collect, organize, and maintain clinical and research data.
• Enter participant information into REDCap and other research databases.
• Prepare reports for study data centers and maintain accurate study documentation.
• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with study protocols.
• Maintain research records and regulatory documentation.

Biospecimen Processing and Laboratory Support:

• Assist with the collection, processing, storage, and tracking of blood and tissue biospecimens obtained from research participants.
• Prepare and ship biological specimens for downstream analyses.
• Perform basic molecular biology and laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate specimen inventories and laboratory records.
• Adhere to established laboratory safety standards and research protocols.

Research Collaboration and Scholarly Contributions:

• Work under the supervision of multiple Principal Investigators on a variety of cardiovascular research projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of investigators, clinicians, and research staff.
• Contribute to research activities that may support scientific abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and publications.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

• Develop and maintain proficiency in clinical research procedures, human subjects protections, and laboratory techniques.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills while working in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Maintain knowledge of study protocols, regulatory requirements, and best practices in research data and biospecimen management.
• Participate in training activities necessary to support research responsibilities and ensure compliance with institutional requirements.

III. University and Public Service (5%)

• Support the mission of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine by promoting high-quality research and collaboration across clinical and academic programs.
• Interact professionally with research participants, patients, faculty, staff, and collaborators.
• Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive research environment dedicated to improving cardiovascular health through innovative research.
• Assist with activities that facilitate the dissemination of research findings to the scientific and healthcare communities.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 2

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: One year with the possibility to extend to two years maximum, based on the needs of the research project.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by August 31, 2026. However, this position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2027.

Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files via Browse Open Recruitments or Log In – AP Recruit

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Macey Sockolov at mlsockolov@health.ucdavis.edu

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and the ability to review research proposals and journal manuscripts.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision making skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Ability to assist in analyzing retrospective patient data from UC Davis electronic records, emphasizing demographic data, epidemiology, biostatistics, and coding

• 3 required (contact information only)

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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM – 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, “Authorization to Release Information” into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.