Lab Assistant

Position overview Salary range: The salary range for this position is $65,800-$73,200 "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience. Application Window Open date: August 25, 2026 Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description This position provides technical, scientific, and analytical support to Dr. Ermias Kebreab's research program in the Department of Animal Science, which focuses on feed additives and microbiome engineering strategies to reduce methane emissions from cattle. The work examines effects on enteric methane emissions, rumen hydrogen balance, animal performance, and meat quality, contributing to efforts to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Research Responsibilities 90% Provide technical, scientific, and analytical support to research activities focused on feed additives and microbiome engineering strategies designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and improve the sustainability of livestock production systems. Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, laboratory personnel, facility managers, and external collaborators involved in research activities. Independently conduct and oversee laboratory analyses of fat, muscle, liver, ruminal fluid, plasma, red blood cell, and other biological samples. Responsibilities include fatty acid analysis, proximate analysis, evaluation of rumen fermentation parameters, and assessment of hydrogen redirection associated with methane mitigation strategies. Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation; develop, refine, and implement laboratory protocols as research needs evolve; and ensure adherence to laboratory safety and quality assurance procedures. Organize and process samples; maintain accurate laboratory and research records; ensure data integrity; manage research datasets; summarize and evaluate analytical results; and prepare tables, figures, reports, and preliminary interpretations. Conduct literature reviews related to analytical methodologies and research objectives; contribute methods descriptions, technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations arising from research activities. Train students, laboratory personnel, and visiting scholars in laboratory procedures and analytical methods that support ongoing research projects. Evidence of research productivity may include significant contributions to publications, acknowledged technical expertise, contribution to publishable research, dissemination of research findings, and participation in scholarly activities relevant to the assigned area of specialization. Professional Competence 5% Maintain professional competence through continuing engagement with scientific literature, emerging analytical methodologies, workshops, seminars, professional development activities, and relevant scientific meetings. May participate in professional and technical societies and assist in the review of scientific manuscripts, reports, publications, and other scholarly documents related to the area of expertise. University and Public Service 5% Participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities, as appropriate. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of collaborators, analytical facilities, industry organizations, and external stakeholders involved in research-related activities. Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Master's degree (M.S.) or equivalent international degree in Animal Science, Animal Biology, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience. It is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a doctorate in a discipline relevant or related to the research as an Assistant Specialist. Degree requirements must be completed by the appointment start date. Additional qualifications (required at time of start) Demonstrated laboratory research experience involving animal, agricultural, or environmental sciences. Experience conducting laboratory analyses, sample preparation, sample processing, and data collection. Experience organizing, managing, and maintaining research datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment. Excellent written, analytical, and oral communication skills. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices. Ability to independently manage laboratory workflows and multiple research projects. Ability to maintain accurate laboratory and research records. Experience using Microsoft Office applications and scientific data analysis software. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position) Experience with ruminant nutrition, or livestock production research. Experience with fatty acid analysis, proximate analysis, tissue analysis, blood metabolite analysis, gas chromatography (GC), or related analytical techniques. Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical laboratory equipment. Experience preparing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations. Experience training students, staff, or research personnel in laboratory techniques Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form. Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link: JPF07847 Help contact: About UC Davis As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. 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The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Job location Davis, CA