Lab Assistant (LAB AST 2)

Under general supervision provide support in the laboratory to process plant samples for disease diagnostics and pathogen survey, and manage a culture collection of bacteria, oomycete, and fungal strains. Provide assistance in media inventory and preparation. Provide support in research and molecular diagnostics of ornamental plants in California. Assist with microbial characterization of fungi and oomycete pathogens of ornamental crops. Assist with setting and maintenance of greenhouse experiments.

Apply By Date: October 12^th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

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

• No minimum education required.
• Experience with at least one of the following: plant disease diagnosis, plant greenhouse management, or fungal microbiology.
• Theoretical background in plant science, horticulture, microbiology, plant pathology and/or related field.
• Strong time management and multitasking skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in plant science, horticulture, microbiology, plant pathology and/or related field.
• Experience with aseptic microbiology techniques, molecuar identification, microscope use.
• Hands on experience in molecular identification of microorganisms, microscope use, fungicide sensitivity evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Lab Assistance
• 40% - Disease Diagnostics Support
• 20% - Greenhouse Support

Department Overview

The Del Castillo Lab (greenhouse and nursery pathology) is based in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California Davis. The Del Castillo Lab provides research, diagnosis, and extension support to crops (ornamentals and vegetable transplants) grown in greenhouses and nurseries. The lab conducts research on traditional diagnostics tools, and development of new ones for oomycete detection in ornamental plants. Other projects include the evaluation of innovative disease management tools for vegetable transplant production, based on a system-based approach: prevention (greenhouse sanitation) and plant protection (biological/synthetic plant treatments).
You can learn more at our website https://greenhousepathology.faculty.ucdavis.edu/

Department Specific Job Scope

This position will support the molecular identification of the diagnostics samples submitted to the laboratory, the microbial characterization of fungi and oomycetes. The incumbent will help with media preparation, DNA extractions, PCRs, qPCRs, sequencing submission, performance of fungicide resistance assays.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $27.10/hr. - $32.65/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009603
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8-5
• 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.

Although not a routine part of this position, must be able and willing to occasionally work outside under hot and dry, windy or cold field conditions, in order to assist other lab members in field projects. Work in a greenhouse under variable uncomfortable conditions including heat and humidity and handle plant samples in an outdoor environment, under potentially warm conditions.

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.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. 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