Lab Assistant (LAB AST 3)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Continuing Education allowance

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Lab Assistant III to support Dr. Yi Wang’s research group in Biological & Agricultural Engineering. The role involves designing and conducting experiments, preparing media and maintaining cultures, and operating fermentation equipment.

You will perform analyses and contribute to data interpretation and reporting. This full-time, on-site position at UC Davis requires adherence to lab safety protocols, record-keeping, and collaboration with students and

Qualifications

• BS degree in a biological/chemical related field and one year of lab/research experience.
• Knowledge of basic chemical/biological principles and ability to collect, record, and interpret data with organized lab records.
• Proficiency operating standard lab instruments and applying aseptic technique and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments in the Wang lab.
• Prepare microbial growth media and maintain cultures.
• Operate and monitor fermentation equipment.
• Perform analyses (spectrophotometric measurements, HPLC) and quantify data.
• Coordinate supply orders and inventory; maintain lab equipment.
• Train and mentor student researchers.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Data recording & analysis

Instrument operation

Lab safety practices

Education

BS degree in Biological/ Chemical/ Biological Engineering or related

MS degree in Biological/Agricultural Engineering or related

Tools

HPLC

UV-Vis spectrophotometry

NIR/Raman spectroscopy

Job description

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Lab Assistant III provides advanced technical support to Dr. Yi Wang's research group in the Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis. The lab integrates metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and bioprocess engineering to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials from underutilized, low-value feedstocks, and to develop biological solutions for agricultural, environmental, and human health. In this full-time career role, the incumbent designs and conducts experiments; prepares microbial growth media and maintains microbial cultures; operates and monitors fermentation equipment; and performs and interprets routine and advanced analyses (e.g., spectrophotometric measurements, HPLC, and related analytical/spectroscopic methods), including accurate quantitative data analysis and record-keeping. Additional responsibilities include producing and characterizing biomaterials from organic wastes, coordinating supply orders and inventory, maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with laboratory safety protocols, and training and mentoring student researchers. The Lab Assistant III works both independently and collaboratively, supporting the lab's mission to develop innovative, sustainable biomanufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• BS degree in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• One year of experience in a relevant laboratory or research environment.
• Knowledge of basic chemical and biological principles with a demonstrated ability to collect, record, and interpret experimental data accurately while maintaining organized lab records. Proficiency in operating standard laboratory instruments and applying aseptic technique and laboratory safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Biological/Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of laboratory research experience involving fermentation/bioprocessing, biomaterial production and characterization, and operation of analytical instrumentation, along with experience maintaining laboratory equipment, training junior personnel, and contributing to research publications or technical reports.
• Working knowledge of microbial growth and fermentation processes (aseptic technique, media preparation, anaerobic operation, basic analytical methods); proficiency with analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and spectroscopic methods such as NIR/Raman) and quantitative/statistical data analysis; experience in biomaterial production and characterization from organic or low-value feedstocks; and strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively and train student researchers.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Research
• 20% - Laboratory Operations & Analytical Support
• 20% - Lab Management, Safety & Training

Department Overview

The Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering is dedicated to advancing the discipline of biological engineering and conducting research across its diverse applications. Biological engineering—also known as biological systems engineering—integrates life sciences with engineering principles to deepen understanding and application of biological systems, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We discover, develop, apply, and disseminate knowledge to enable the sustainable production, management, and use of biological materials, while educating students to excel in these endeavors.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position supports multiple externally funded projects in the Wang lab spanning microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, and biomaterial production and characterization. The incumbent works with limited supervision, exercises sound technical judgment, and contributes to experimental design, data analysis, and documentation for reports and publications.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.97/hr. - $34.49/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 3
• UC Job Code: 009602
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one.

#YouBelongHere

#CA-DE