Junior Specialist - Lazcano Lab

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Junior Specialist to support soil biodiversity and health research. You will participate in field sampling across California, assist in laboratory analyses, and help manage data and safety procedures under the supervision of Dr. Lazcano.

The role involves coordinating sampling events, working with growers, and traveling regionally. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, with practical lab and field experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field required.
• Experience with field collection of soil samples and data management in Excel recommended.
• Valid California driver’s license or ability to obtain one is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead soil sampling events with lab members.
• Collect soil, plant and gas samples at field sites across CA; some travel to OR/WA.
• Process samples (sieiving, drying, grinding) and perform biochemical analyses.
• Maintain and troubleshoot lab instruments; ensure safe waste handling.
• Maintain records, data entry, and synthesis; support safety compliance and meetings.

Skills

Field sampling

Data management

Safety compliance

Lab instrument maintenance

Communication with PI/team

Driving and field coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science

Tools

LICOR N2O analyzer

Vario MAX CN analyzer

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: Step 1, $57,000/Anually

Application Window

Open date: August 26, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 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 Lazcano Soil Biodiversity and Health Lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to contribute to the ongoing projects in soil ecology and soil health in different agricultural settings ([Soil Biodiversity and Health Lab - Healthy soils for healthy food and a healthy planet]sample statement).

The successful candidate will participate in soil sampling and analysis to determine the variability in different aspects of soil health in wine grape production. Parallel research will try to determine the biological processes underpinning changes in soil health under different management strategies.

The Junior specialist will interact closely with growers and perform field sampling in different regions of California, with occasional samplings that will require traveling to Oregon and Washington. In addition, the Junior Specialist will be expected to perform lab management tasks such as waste management, safety protocols and coordination of instrument use.

Under the supervision of Dr. Lazcano, the Junior Specialist will perform the following duties:

• Coordination and leading of soil sampling events, in collaboration with the lab graduate students and postdocs.
• Collection of soil, plant and gas samples at the field sites
• Processing of the samples collected (sieving, drying, grinding)
• Biochemical analyses of the samples (microbial biomass, C and N contents, microbial activity, etc.)
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of the instruments and tools in the lab
• Recordkeeping, data entry and synthesis.
• Implementation and maintenance of UC Davis lab safety requirements
• Participation in regular lab meetings
• Regular and fluent communication with the PI and graduate students
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.
• Contribution to scholarly scientific manuscripts from the lab, by writing methods, creating figures and performing statistical analyses on the data collected

Professional competence (5%): The Junior Specialist will be encouraged to attend and present at regular laboratory group meetings, attend seminars at the university, and local scientific and extension meetings to present data. Examples of meetings where the candidate would present are, wine-industry field days, The California Plant and Soil annual conference, the California Annual Small Farm Conference as well as the annual meetings of the American Geophysical Union and the Soil Science Society of America.

University and public service (5%): The Junior Specialist may mentor undergraduate lab assistants working in the lab

"Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program."

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Soil Science, Biology, Agricultural Engineering or similar.

In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

Additional qualifications

• Experience with field collection of soil samples
• Experience with measurement of soil greenhouse gas emissions
• Experience with processing soil samples
• Experience with data management on Excel
• Valid California driver's license (or ability to obtain one).

Preferred qualifications

• Experience operating a LICOR N2O portable analyzer
• Analysis of soil biochemical properties such as plant available N, mineralizable and active C
• Operation of Vario MAX CN analyzer

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (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

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

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: Aff…?

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.

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

Davis, CA