Tissue Culture Lab Assistant (LAB AST 3)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

On-site role

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Staff: Career Laboratory Assistant 3 to prepare media, reagents, and solutions, and to transfer meristem-tip culture plants for FPS crops. The role supports a clean lab environment and assists with department projects in an on-site setting in Davis.

Key tasks include tissue culture for FPS crops, maintaining inventory records, and participating in general lab maintenance to ensure efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level coursework in a related field.
• Experience with highly repetitive sterile culture techniques.
• Knowledge of tissue culture including microbiology and sterile technique.
• Ability to produce and use inventory lists to update department databases.
• Ability to record work inventory and label plant material.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory general maintenance.
• Perform tissue culture for FPS crops.
• Assist in departmental efforts to maintain an efficient, smooth-running lab.

Skills

Sterile culture techniques

Tissue culture knowledge

Inventory management

Record keeping

Plant labeling

Education

Two years of college coursework

Job description

Job Summary

Prepare standard media, reagents, and solutions both under supervision and independently. Transfer meristem-tip culture plants of FPS crops using standard protocols. Maintain a clean lab environment and assist laboratory personnel in miscellaneous projects.

Apply By Date

October 2nd 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of college-level course work in related field of study.
• Experience performing highly repetitive techniques pertaining to sterile culture, including separation of stock solutions and media.
• Experience with and knowledge of tissue culture technology including microbiology and sterile technique.
• Skills to produce and use inventory lists of transferred or transplanted plants to update the department computer database.
• Skills to record an inventory of work performed and label plant material.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of grape and strawberry micro-shoot tip culture.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Laboratory General Maintenance
• 40% - Perform Tissue Culture for FPS Crops
• 10% - Participate in Efforts to Maintain an Efficient Smooth-Running Department

Department Overview

Foundation Plant Services (FPS) is a self-supporting service center in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines, strawberries, and roses for research and public commercial use. FPS also operates the National Importation program through which grape, fruit and nut tree, and rose germplasm is imported, tested for disease, and made available for public distribution. FPS manages 140 acres of fields in and around Davis. The gross income of FPS is approximately $8 million per year.

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, 8:00AM-5:00PM
• 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