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Junior, Assistant, or Associate Specialist – Xue Lab

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry / School of Biological Sciences / UC Irvine

Position overview

Application Window

Open date:April 25, 2025

Most recent review date:Friday, Aug 1, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date:Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 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 Xue Lab ( https://kxuelab.com/ ) is recruiting a Junior, Assistant, or Associate Specialist to support our research program investigating ecological and evolutionary dynamics in the human gut microbiome. We use cutting-edge techniques, including high-throughput cultivation of gut-derived microbial communities and strain-resolved metagenomic sequencing, to investigate how specific microbial interactions give rise to community-scale dynamics. The specialist is expected to generate and maintain a collection of in vitro communities and strain isolates from human microbiome samples; to build next-generation sequencing libraries to assess community composition; and to analyze 16S and metagenomic sequencing data from gut microbial communities. Experience with anaerobic microbiology and management of large sample collections is preferred, and computer programming and data analysis skills are helpful. Strong organization and communication skills are essential, as is a team mindset. The Xue lab is committed to holistic mentoring and career development for all lab members.

Qualified candidates should submit a (1) curriculum vitae, including previous work and research experience (2) cover letter that describes why they would like to join the Xue Lab specifically and how the position fits into their future career goals and (3) contact information for three references.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a collection of human gut microbiome samples

• Generate a collection of in vitro communities and strain isolates derived from gut microbiome samples

• Prepare samples for amplicon and metagenomic sequencing

• Maintain and organize lab supplies and reagents

• Train and supervise junior lab members

• Document and communicate results with lab members

Requirements:

• Junior Specialists - Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience.

• Assistant Specialists - Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess expertise consistent with four (4) to six (6) years of training and/or experience in the relevant specialization. Appropriate qualifications for appointees at this rank would include possession of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three (3) or more years of research experience.

• Associate Specialists - Appointees to the Associate rank should possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Lab: https://kxuelab.com/

Qualifications

Accepting all applicants.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

3-5 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy .

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.

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.

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