Lab Assistant (LAB AST 3

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Lab Assistant III provides advanced technical support to Dr. Yi Wang's research group in the Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis. The lab integrates metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and bioprocess engineering to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials from underutilized, low-value feed stocks, and to develop biological solutions for agricultural, environmental, and human health. In this full-time career role, the incumbent designs and conducts experiments;

prepares microbial growth media and maintains microbial cultures; operates and monitors fermentation equipment; and performs and interprets routine and advanced analyses (e.g., spectrophotometric measurements, HPLC, and related analytical/spectroscopic methods), including accurate quantitative data analysis and record-keeping. Additional responsibilities include producing and characterizing biomaterials from organic wastes, coordinating supply orders and inventory, maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with laboratory safety protocols, and training and mentoring student researchers.

The Lab Assistant III works both independently and collaboratively, supporting the lab's mission to develop innovative, sustainable biomanufacturing solutions.

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

• BS degree in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• One year of experience in a relevant laboratory or research environment.
• Knowledge of basic chemical and biological principles with a demonstrated ability to collect, record, and interpret experimental data accurately while maintaining organized lab records. Proficiency in operating standard laboratory instruments and applying aseptic technique and laboratory safety practices.

• MS degree in Biological/Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of laboratory research experience involving fermentation/bioprocessing, biomaterial production and characterization, and operation of analytical instrumentation, along with experience maintaining laboratory equipment, training junior personnel, and contributing to research publications or technical reports.
• Working knowledge of microbial growth and fermentation processes (aseptic technique, media preparation, anaerobic operation, basic analytical methods); proficiency with analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and spectroscopic methods such as NIR/Raman) and quantitative/statistical data analysis; experience in biomaterial production and characterization from organic or low-value feed stocks; and strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively and train student researchers.

• 60% - Research
• 20% - Laboratory Operations & Analytical Support
• 20% - Lab Management, Safety & Training

The Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering is dedicated to advancing the discipline of biological engineering and conducting research across its diverse applications. Biological engineering—also known as biological systems engineering—integrates life sciences with engineering principles to deepen understanding and application of biological systems, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We discover, develop, apply, and disseminate knowledge to enable the sustainable production, management, and use of biological materials, while educating students to excel in these endeavors.

This position supports multiple externally funded projects in the Wang lab spanning microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, and biomaterial production and characterization. The incumbent works with limited supervision, exercises sound technical judgment, and contributes to experimental design, data analysis, and documentation for reports and publications.

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.97/hr.
  
  - $34.49/hr.
• Salary Frequency:
  Bi-…