Position overview Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300 - $86,600 Application Window Open date: August 28, 2026 Next review date: Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:

Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 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 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a full time Associate Specialist position in the Dr. Wang Lab. Under the supervision of Dr. Xiao-Jing Wang, the Associate Specialist conducts mentored, advanced research in mucocutaneous inflammation, wound healing, epithelial biology, and tumor immunology. The position integrates molecular, cellular, histopathologic, immunologic, and in vivo approaches to define disease mechanisms and evaluate translational therapeutic strategies. The Associate Specialist is expected to exercise increasing scientific independence in experimental design, execution, data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination, while contributing to collaborative research programs within the laboratory and across UC Davis. Within these designated areas of expertise, the Associate Specialist maintains current scientific and technical knowledge, identifies emerging research questions, supports rigorous and reproducible research practices, and contributes to the planning of research and educational activities.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Xiao-Jing Wang and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment. This recruitment is conducted at the associate rank. The resulting hire will be at the associate rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS

(90% EFFORT) A. Design and conduct translational studies examining immune regulation, tissue remodeling, and therapeutic responses in skin and oral mucosal inflammation, impaired wound healing, and squamous cell carcinoma. 1) Develop research questions, experimental plans, timelines, and appropriate controls in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborators. 2) Establish and apply cell-based and animal models relevant to inflammatory skin and mucosal disease, diabetic and radiation-associated tissue injury, wound repair, and tumor immunity. 3) Perform and interpret molecular, cellular, histopathologic, and immune-profiling studies, including quantitative image-based and functional analyses appropriate to each project. 4) Evaluate candidate biologic and immune-modulating therapies in preclinical models, integrating mechanistic endpoints with measures of tissue repair, inflammation, and antitumor response. 5) Maintain complete research records; organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data; apply appropriate statistical methods; and prepare figures, summaries, and reports. 6) Ensure that research is conducted in accordance with approved institutional protocols, laboratory safety requirements, animal welfare standards, and principles of rigor and reproducibility. B. Lead and support scholarly products arising from the research program. 1) Prepare first-author and collaborative manuscripts and contribute to study interpretation, figure development, revision, and submission. 2) Present research findings at laboratory meetings and regional, national, and international scientific conferences. 3) Contribute scientific content and preliminary data to fellowship, career development, pilot, foundation, and other extramural funding applications. 4) Participate in invention disclosure and patent-related activities when research findings have translational or therapeutic potential. C. Coordinate collaborative and investigator-initiated studies that support the laboratory's translational research program. 1) Collaborate with investigators and research personnel in pathology, dermatology, immunology, oncology, bioengineering, and related disciplines. 2) Facilitate communication among participating laboratories, coordinate experimental materials and data, and prepare project-specific reports and research updates. 3) Provide clinical and translational perspective on complex oral and mucocutaneous disease phenotypes, helping connect clinically relevant observations with mechanistic research questions. 4) Mentor graduate students, trainees, and junior research personnel in experimental techniques, study design, data interpretation, and responsible research practices.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY

(5% EFFORT) 1) Maintain advanced knowledge and technical competence in mucocutaneous immunology, wound healing, epithelial biology, cancer biology, and translational research relevant to the Wang Laboratory. 2) Participate in seminars, journal clubs, scientific discussions, workshops, and collaborative research activities. 3) Disseminate research findings through publications, invited or submitted presentations, and other appropriate scholarly activities. 4) Contribute to professional peer review, editorial, or scientific society activities when appropriate to career stage and expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE

(5% EFFORT) A. Contribute to laboratory, departmental, and university activities that support research operations, education, trainee development, and a collegial research environment. B. Assist colleagues and trainees with specialized research methods, study planning, histopathology, imaging, immune profiling, and interpretation within the scope of expertise. C. Participate, as appropriate, in outreach and professional activities that communicate research findings to scientific, clinical, and broader communities.

Number of Positions Available:

1

Term of Appointment:

One-year appointment at 100%, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the research project. For the full position description and to apply, visit: (https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07776) . Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DDS, MD, or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, dentistry, medicine, immunology, cancer biology, dermatology, or a related field.
• Research experience in one or more of the following areas: inflammation, wound healing, epithelial biology, immunology, cancer biology, or translational biomedical research.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, scientific interpretation, and preparation of research manuscripts or presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative research environments.
• Completion and maintenance of required institutional research, safety, animal-use, and responsible-conduct-of-research training. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
• Experience with preclinical animal models of inflammatory disease, wound healing, tissue injury, or cancer.
• Technical proficiency in molecular and cellular biology, histopathology, immunostaining, quantitative imaging, immune profiling, and functional cell-based assays.
• Experience evaluating therapeutic candidates in translational or preclinical studies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop research proposals, prepare manuscripts, and communicate scientific findings clearly.
• Experience mentoring students or junior research personnel and coordinating collaborative projects.
• Clinical or translational knowledge relevant to oral medicine, dermatology, mucosal disease, wound healing, or head and neck oncology.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.

Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter 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 . Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07776 Help contact: nbrunn@health.ucdavis.edu About UC Davis 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

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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. The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings . UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come . 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. Job location Sacramento, CA