Research Assistant Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Position Summary:
Under supervision, incumbent performs a wide variety of standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures at the full operational or journey level of skill in one field of specialty; or performs a limited variety of non-standard laboratory and/or field experimental procedures requiring ingenuity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to special and changing needs of research in one specialized field.
Incumbent typically performs a wide variety of standard repetitive procedures without detailed technical supervision, usually in a well-established occupational field (i.e. chemistry, microbiology, ecology, plant science etc.). They may also modify, vary or adapt standard procedures to meet the needs of research projects, or improve tests that are unsatisfactory, and after studying available literature, analyze and alter conditions under which determinations are made.
This position is a career appointment that is 50% variable .
The home department is UCCE Mariposa County; however, the position is based in Merced, CA. While this position is based in Merced, CA, it is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.
Pay Scale: $32.79/hour to $41.58/hour
Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 07/27/2026.
Key Responsibilities:
35%
Field Work and Research
-In consultation with the supervisor, plan and assist in coordination of project experiments. Ensure that sufficient materials are available to provide required safety training and documentation to assure safe work environment. Provide research support by conducting in-field data collection including but not limited to soils, plant, water, and pest data. Manage field data collection materials in appropriate manner for processing needs.
30%
Data Preparation
-Collect data and prepare initial reports. Modify, vary, or adapt standard procedures to meet the needs of the research project.
-Improve tests that are unsatisfactory.
-Convert raw data into testable value; conduct basic statistical analysis. Ensure that there is the necessary information to evaluate each trial.
-Generate summary and overview reports of program activities as needed. This includes educational event and field demonstration evaluations and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting as needed.
20%
Reporting and Writing
-Summarize research findings for use in articles (popular press, newsletter and journal) using MS Office suite programs and statistical programs.
-Assist in preparation of grant proposals and in summarizing literature and data needed for funding group reports and assist in writing publications and peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
-Prepare graphical summaries, using Microsoft Excel, that will be used to demonstrate the discovered data in publications.
-Review studies, literature, attend workshops, seminars, training.
10%
Outreach
- Coordinate and collaborate with federal, state, county, and local agencies and community based organizations on the delivery of programs to support program functional area.
5%
Needs Assessment
-Assess stakeholder needs for diversification and adaptation of sustainable practices. Use needs assessment information to research and inform educational programs that respond to identified needs.
Requirements:

• Demonstrated scientific/research experience or formal education in functional area.
• Experience with research and/or teaching.
• Scientific knowledge and skill to make technical determinations and/or observations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and outreach to community partners.
• Demonstrated experience with computers, software, and social media for the development and delivery of newsletters, presentations, and other educational materials. Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with data compilation in order to produce reports.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
    
    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

About Us
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.
Collaborating to solve problems.
Connecting to serve communities.
For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
How to Apply
Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId=87438&PostingSeq=1
External Candidates*: You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Click the 'Register Now' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.
*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.