DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist
Position overview
Position title: DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist (Junior Specialist Rank)
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled,
Represented Specialist Series Fiscal Year. A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $58,600.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.
Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: May 5, 2026
Most recent review date: Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 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: Wednesday, May 5, 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
The UCSC Paleogenomics Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a
DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist. The Paleogenomics Laboratory is a joint venture between Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Professor Beth Shaprio and Biomolecular Engineering Professor Ed Green.
Under the direction of Dr. Ed Green, the successful candidate will support and assist in research that uses a genomics approach to understand how genetic variation is distributed among populations over geographic space, and how this changes through time.
The duties of this job are to: 1) extract DNA from a variety of tissues, including bone, hair, and other tissues, using in-house protocols; 2) assess the quality of DNA extractions using PCR and other quantitation methods; 3) prepare and quantify genomic libraries for next-generation sequencing; 4) perform next generation sequencing using standard Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) equipment; and 5) perform preliminary quality control analyses of recovered data using bioinformatics approaches.
The selected candidate must be able to learn new techniques and implement protocols with attention to detail and to participate in the research of UCSC faculty through DNA extraction, genomic library preparation, sequencing, analytical measurements, and through training and supervision of users. We are particularly interested in identifying a candidate with experience using the Illumina sequencing platform.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
Ecology and Environmental Biology Department: https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)
- Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, or a related scientific field.
- A minimum of six months' previous experience in laboratory research (this may include experience gained while earning degree).
- Knowledge of and experience with troubleshooting DNA extraction, PCR amplification, genomic library preparation, and DNA sequencing protocols.
- Bioinformatic skills, including knowledge of command-line interfaces and UNIX as well as pipelines for analysis of quality control of NGS data.
Your application must demonstrate (e.g., in your C.V. or cover letter) that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a minimum of three professional references along with their contact information. The search committee will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.
Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF02047
Help contact: [email protected]
About UC Santa Cruz
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.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at
[email protected] or (831) 459-4602.
Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.
UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.
The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.
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.
VISIT UC Santa Cruz
Job location
Santa Cruz, CA
To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF02047
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