Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Davis, CA (NOW HIRING)

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.

Apply By Date August 14th 2026 by 11:59PM

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.

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

• N/A