Lab Assistant - Siddique Lab; LAB AST

Job Summary
Under general supervision, this position is responsible for overall laboratory management and operational support. The role ensures laboratories are properly supplied, safely maintained, and compliant with Environmental Health and Safety regulations, while providing oversight of student workers who support routine laboratory functions. The position is also accountable for maintaining plant‑parasitic nematode cultures (root‑knot nematodes, cyst nematodes, root lesion nematodes) in laboratory and greenhouse settings.

On an annual basis, this role maintains laboratory readiness through coordination of laboratory ordering, oversight of student support efforts, ongoing oversight of equipment condition and safety compliance, and continuous maintenance of nematode cultures.

Apply By Date
March 5, 2026 at 11:59pm

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Disease Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related Life Sciences field.
• A minimum of 1 year experience working in a laboratory setting.
• A minimum of 1 year experience working with various plant pathogens including with nematodes.
• Knowledge of biotechnology principles, including terminology, instrumentation, and standard laboratory techniques. Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, including safe chemical handling, inventory control, and usage tracking.
• Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment. Ability to select, train, and supervise student employees effectively.
• Skills in projecting laboratory supply needs, managing inventory based on usage patterns, and maintaining adequate stock levels.
• Knowledge of plant parasites relevant to California Agriculture in particular to nematodes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of UC Davis safety procedures for safe chemical handling, inventory and usage.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% - Laboratory Assistance
• 25% - Laboratory Safety and Records
• 20% - Purchasing and Inventory Management
• 20% - Nematode Culture Maintenance
• 10% - Lead Undergraduate Assistants

The Department of Entomology & Nematology is a teaching, research, and extension department within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Department of Entomology and Nematology encompasses disciplines studying the two most prevalent and important groups of invertebrates affecting man and the environment. The overall mission of the department is to address the broader scientific and societal importance of arthropods and nematodes by working seamlessly along the continuum that interconnects basic to applied science.

Overall, departmental research can be grouped into five broad areas: biodiversity, ecology, functional biology, sustainable agriculture, and vector biology. Department faculty and research staff strive towards synergy between emerging areas of fundamental science and mission‑oriented research to translate basic science into solutions for stakeholders. Perhaps more importantly, the department prepares the next generation of students to assume leadership in arthropod and nematode sciences through the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Salary or Pay Range: $27.59/hr – $32.85/hr.
• Salary Frequency:
  Bi-Weekly
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  LAB AST 3
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type:
  Staff:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% – Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule):
  Monday – Friday, 8:00AM–5:00PM
• Location:
  
  Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes
• This position is 100% on‑site

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…