Staff Research Associate 3

The Staff Research Associate 3 will support the UC Davis/NIH NeuroMab Facility by performing advanced antibody development, characterization, and related research tasks under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Generating and analyzing monoclonal antibodies, including quantification of antibody concentrations in complex sample matrices.
• Designing, executing, and interpreting immunological assays such as protein and cell ELISAs, immunoblotting (including large-format strip blots), and immunocytochemistry.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, including fluorescent/luminescent plate readers, blot imaging systems, and microscopes.
• Documenting, organizing, and archiving experimental data accurately and efficiently.
• Expressing and analyzing recombinant proteins produced in mammalian cell lines.
• Supporting laboratory operations, including supervising and training undergraduate lab assistants and assisting with general lab management.

Apply By Date: December 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload any required licenses and/or certifications.

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, research training, and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of research laboratory experience.
• Experience in immunochemistry and protein biochemistry techniques.
• Experience working collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Skills in precise laboratory technique, accurate mathematical calculations, and management of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Proficiency with software tools for nucleic acid and protein sequence research, data processing, and preparation of publication-quality figures and documentation.
• Ability to analyze experimental results, maintain accurate and organized records, and archive data systematically.
• Ability to operate Macintosh and PCs and associated hardware/software.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments, identify problems, and communicate effectively with the PI and laboratory staff.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and EH&S requirements for handling hazardous biological and chemical materials.
• Broad understanding of general scientific knowledge, solution chemistry, including pH, buffers, weights, and osmolarity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression and engineering.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate comfortably with the PI, laboratory staff, and external collaborators in both individual and group settings.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Production of monoclonal antibodies
• 30% - Analysis of antibody efficacy
• 15% - Oversee "in-house" antibody catalogue maintenance, dissemination, and acquisition
• 15% - Project review, data summary, and analysis
• 10% - Hiring and supervision of new full-time staff and/or undergraduate assistants

Department Overview

The Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology is composed of an exceptional community of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff. Our mission is to conduct innovative research, provide outstanding service, and offer high-quality education and mentoring in the field of physiology. Collaboration and the pursuit of bold, new ideas are central to achieving this mission.

The department is currently expanding through the recruitment of leading scientists across diverse areas of expertise. This intellectual diversity is essential to fostering paradigm-shifting discoveries that deepen our understanding of biological processes and ultimately contribute to more precise diagnoses and effective disease treatments.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $2,672.77- $4,297.85 (Budgeted salary: Step 1/$2,672.77)
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: 105
• UC Job Title: SRA 3
• UC Job Code: 009611
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Full-time
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday to Friday (8 AM-5 PM)
• Location: Tupper Hall, Davis, CA
• Union Representation: RX-Research 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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html.

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

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
• 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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional, Up to 3 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation, clearance, and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements

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 our 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 #CA-ZM

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks