Laboratory Assistant (LAB AST 1)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Retirement plans

Well-being resources

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Laboratory Assistant I to assist with routine laboratory operations, including receiving, inventorying, archiving and preparing aerosol filters for analysis. The role involves preparing filters for shipment, loading samples for analyzers, and documenting instrument operations in logbooks, while collaborating with Student Assistants and AQRC staff.

The position emphasizes attention to detail, ability to perform repetitive tasks, and strong

Qualifications

• Experience working in a high throughput production laboratory.
• Experience interpreting and implementing laboratory procedures.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with other laboratory personnel to establish and maintain a cooperative work culture.
• Fine motor skills to manipulate small parts in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills to meticulously perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time, to focus on a single task, and work under time constraints to meet deadlines with attention to detail and to notice small changes in instrument response.

Responsibilities

• 90% - SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS
• 10% - GENERAL LABORATORY TASKS

Skills

High throughput lab

Laboratory procedures

Interpersonal skills

Fine motor skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, perform routine operations in the laboratory including all aspects of receiving, inventorying, archiving and preparing aerosol filters for analysis. Follow routine procedures to prepare filters for shipment to sampling sites and receive sampled filters into the laboratory. Continuously load and unload samples for various analyzers, check automated systems for failures of quality checks, and document routine instrument operation in logbook. Communicate with Student Assistants and other staff working in the Air Quality Research Center.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, perform routine operations in the laboratory including all aspects of receiving, inventorying, archiving and preparing aerosol filters for analysis. Follow routine procedures to prepare filters for shipment to sampling sites and receive sampled filters into the laboratory. Continuously load and unload samples for various analyzers, check automated systems for failures of quality checks, and document routine instrument operation in logbook. Communicate with Student Assistants and other staff working in the Air Quality Research Center.

Apply By Date

August 26th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

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

• No Minimum Education required.
• Experience working in a high throughput production laboratory.
• Experience interpreting and implementing laboratory procedures.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with other laboratory personnel to establish and maintain a cooperative work culture.
• Fine motor skills to manipulate small parts in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills to meticulously perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time, to focus on a single task, and work under time constraints to meet deadlines with attention to detail and to notice small changes in instrument response.

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS
• 10% - GENERAL LABORATORY TASKS

Department Overview

AQRC analyzes particulate matter samples for the United States National Park Service (NPS) Interagency Monitoring for Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Speciation Network (CSN). IMPROVE was established in 1985 to monitor visibility in the National Parks and Wilderness Areas, and AQRC operates over 150 air pollution sampling sites for IMPROVE, as well as analyzes samples, processes the analysis data, and delivers data to the NPS and EPA. CSN collects samples in an urban monitoring network with over 140 sites. For CSN, AQRC analyzes samples, processes the analysis data, and delivers data to the EPA.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $27.04/hr. - $32.31/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 1
• UC Job Code: 009605
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• 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 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 - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours
• Twisting - Never 0 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 HoursReaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 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.

Employee is personally responsible for following EH&S guidelines/ instructions. Employee is required to take the UCD Safety Services Laboratory Training before working alone in the laboratory. Work occasional overtime during nights/evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• N/A

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. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks