Staff Research Associate (SRA 2 NEX)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a dedicated SRA 2 NEX to support the Fangue Lab’s physiological and ecological studies on native California fishes. The role involves coordinating laboratory analyses, assisting in planning experiments, and participating in field operations with collaborators.

You will develop collaborative relationships, provide leadership for teamwork, oversee live animal collection and husbandry, and help maintain safety programs in line with federal, state, county,

Qualifications

• Experience conducting behavioral and physiological studies in a lab setting to assess sub-lethal effects on fish.
• Experience with fish husbandry of native California species.
• Knowledge of water quality parameters and testing methods (temperature, salinity, Redox, NH3/NH4, NO2, NO3, turbidity).
• Ability to use R for statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory and field research tasks to support aquatic animal experiments.
• Analysis and reporting of experimental results.
• Management and adherence to lab safety principles.

Skills

Behavioral studies

Physiological studies

R statistical analysis

Water quality testing

Driver's license (California)

Safety oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/Biology/Physiology or related field

Tools

Osomometers

Flame photometer

Autoclaves

Drying ovens

PCR

Titrations

Digital gas mixing valves

Job description

Job Summary

The Fangue Lab is part of the Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology. The goal of the lab is to utilize state-of-the-art technologies to understand fundamental physiological, behavioral, and ecological processes. Incumbent participates in achievement of a wide-range of research goals which include providing high-quality support for aquatic animal physiological experiments, culture of both fish and invertebrate species, disease identification and treatment, and fundamentals of testing and monitoring in aquatic environments with attention to detail in order to ensure integrity of results. This position will assist in the planning and implementation of experiments, laboratory analyses, and some field operations for the Fangue Lab and its collaborators to understand the key requirements of California native fishes and fishes more broadly. Expected to develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and to provide leadership and facilitate teamwork. Oversee live animal collection and husbandry, and assist supervisors in maintaining safety programs including laboratory and field safety ensuring compliance with Federal, State, County, and UC regulations.

The Fangue Lab is part of the Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology. The goal of the lab is to utilize state-of-the-art technologies to understand fundamental physiological, behavioral, and ecological processes. Incumbent participates in achievement of a wide-range of research goals which include providing high-quality support for aquatic animal physiological experiments, culture of both fish and invertebrate species, disease identification and treatment, and fundamentals of testing and monitoring in aquatic environments with attention to detail in order to ensure integrity of results. This position will assist in the planning and implementation of experiments, laboratory analyses, and some field operations for the Fangue Lab and its collaborators to understand the key requirements of California native fishes and fishes more broadly. Expected to develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and to provide leadership and facilitate teamwork. Oversee live animal collection and husbandry, and assist supervisors in maintaining safety programs including laboratory and field safety ensuring compliance with Federal, State, County, and UC regulations.

Apply By Date

09/30/2026 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

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

• Must be certified for the operation of UC owned vessels (MOTC).
• Required to hold a valid California 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
• No minimum education requirement
• Experience and skills to conduct behavioral and physiological studies in the lab to assess sub-lethal effects and impairments in fish.
• Experience with fish husbandry of native and/or threatened California fish species, such as sturgeon, salmonids, and Delta smelt.
• Experience with water quality equipment and testing methods; temperature, salinity, Redox, NH3/NH4, NO2, NO3, turbidity, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis using R statistical programming language.
• Knowledge of lab equipment including Osomometers, flame photometer, autoclaves, drying ovens, PCR, titrations, digital gas mixing valves.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Physiology or related science or equivalent education and experience that would equate to a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience operating a vehicle in off-road situations on rough terrain and to operate a vehicle while towing heavy equipment, vessel, or live fish transport trailers that can be longer than the tow vehicle.
• Experience with health and safety regulations, policies, and techniques. Knowledge of laws federal and state pertaining to occupational safety, environmental and public health. This includes knowledge of the dangers and safe handling of compressed Oxygen cylinders and gauges.
• Fundamental knowledge of fish health and disease prevention.
• Strong diagnostic skills in identifying problem to ensure timely action is taken to prevent animal loss.
• Knowledge of wastewater discharge regulation and permitting compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Laboratory and Field Research
• 30% - Analysis and Reporting
• 10% - Management and Lab Safety Principles

Department Overview

The Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology is a dedicated group of scientists and students interested in research and training in the fields of biology, ecology, and conservation of all wildlife and fish species, and to resolution of human-wildlife conflicts. As such, we are unique within the University of California. We pursue our mission through targeted research as well as integrated and dynamic teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Our students emerge with a solid biological foundation on which they superimpose training in the ecology and management of wildlife and fish in natural as well as human-altered environments. They are established and emerging leaders in wildlife and fish biology, ecology, conservation, and management, with jobs as private consultants, agency wildlife or fish biologists, zoo biologists, and wildlife veterinarians, among others. The major prepares students well for post-secondary study, including veterinary school, graduate school, or pursuit of professional degrees in applied biology and ecology.

Department Specific Job Scope

The Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology is a dedicated group of scientists and students interested in research and training in the fields of biology, ecology, and conservation of all wildlife and fish species, and to resolution of human-wildlife conflicts. This role focuses on supporting high-quality research and contributing to educational excellence across all projects within the Fangue Laboratory.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $32.79 - $52.75
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• UC Job Code: 009617
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, Ca
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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 #CA-CB