Junior Specialist - Parikh Lab

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

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Parikh Soil Chemistry Laboratory to support a soil, water quality, and carbon cycling project. The role combines field sampling, lab analysis, data management, and preparation of graphs, tables, and reports.

Field work includes travel to research sites with potential overnight trips; experiments use established methods and standard lab equipment. A Bachelor's degree and valid CA driver license are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, Hydrology, Agricultural Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of application.
• Experience conducting laboratory or field research.
• Experience working with soil, water, or other environmental samples.
• Experience organizing and managing research data.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel or comparable software for quantitative analysis.
• Experience preparing graphs, figures, or tables from experimental data.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate research records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Valid California driver's license required by the start date of the appointment.
• Ability and willingness to travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day trips as required by the project

Responsibilities

• Participate in field collection of soil and water samples and associated field measurements.
• Travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day sampling trips as required by the project.
• Assist with preparation and transport of field equipment and supplies.
• Prepare, process, preserve, and organize soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.
• Conduct chemical and physical analyses of soil and water samples using established laboratory methods and instrumentation.
• Prepare standards, reagents, calibration curves, and quality-control samples and maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Organize and maintain field and laboratory datasets and perform quality-control checks on collected data.
• Perform calculations and quantitative analyses of experimental data.
• Use Excel and other statistical or graphical software to analyze data and prepare scientific graphs, figures, and tables.
• Participate in interpretation of soil and water chemistry data in relation to project objectives.
• Conduct literature searches related to analytical methods and interpretation of research results.
• Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.

Skills

Field sampling

Soil analysis

Data management

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science / Environmental Science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position overview

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

Application Window

Open date: September 15, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Oct 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Oct 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 Parikh Soil Chemistry Laboratory seeks a Junior Specialist to support a research project examining soil and water quality and carbon cycling in field systems. The Junior Specialist will participate in field sampling, laboratory analysis of soil and water samples, data management and analysis, and preparation of figures, tables, reports, and other research products.

The position will involve a combination of fieldwork, laboratory measurements, and computer-based data analysis. Field activities will require travel from UC Davis to research sites and may include overnight and multi-day trips.

Research (90%)

• Participate in field collection of soil and water samples and associated field measurements.


• Travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day sampling trips as required by the project.


• Assist with preparation and transport of field equipment and supplies.


• Prepare, process, preserve, and organize soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.


• Conduct chemical and physical analyses of soil and water samples using established laboratory methods and instrumentation.


• Prepare standards, reagents, calibration curves, and quality-control samples and maintain detailed laboratory records.


• Organize and maintain field and laboratory datasets and perform quality-control checks on collected data.


• Perform calculations and quantitative analyses of experimental data.


• Use Excel and other statistical or graphical software to analyze data and prepare scientific graphs, figures, and tables.


• Participate in interpretation of soil and water chemistry data in relation to project objectives.


• Conduct literature searches related to analytical methods and interpretation of research results.


• Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.

Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in laboratory meetings and research discussions, maintain familiarity with relevant scientific literature and analytical methods, and may assist in presenting research results at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, or scientific meetings.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in appropriate laboratory and departmental service activities, which may include laboratory organization and safety activities, assisting with training of undergraduate researchers or new laboratory members in established methods, and participating in project‑related outreach activities

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 (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, Hydrology, Agricultural Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Experience conducting laboratory or field research.


• Experience working with soil, water, or other environmental samples.


• Experience organizing and managing research data.


• Experience using Microsoft Excel or comparable software for quantitative analysis.


• Experience preparing graphs, figures, or tables from experimental data.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to maintain accurate research records.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.


• Valid California driver's license required by the start date of the appointment.


• Ability and willingness to travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day trips as required by the project

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Research experience in soil science, environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, or water quality.


• Experience with chemical analysis of soil or water samples.


• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and QA/QC procedures.


• Experience with R, Python, Origin, or similar statistical or graphical software.


• Experience preparing publication-quality scientific figures.


• Experience contributing to scientific reports, presentations, or manuscripts.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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


• Cover Letter


• 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)

Help contact: [e-mail]

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