Research Associate ; Limited Pool

Staff Research Associate 2 (Limited Pool)

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Step 1: 30.32 - Step 25: 48.78. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $30.32/hr.

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re-apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 6/30/2026.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit UPTE:
Research Support Professionals - RX.

Please note:

These are temporary positions.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility:
Dependent on openings.

Staff Research Associates (SRAs) perform or supervise the performance of laboratory and/or field experimental procedures in support of academically-supervised research and teaching in the natural, physical or social sciences; and perform other related duties as required. Incumbents perform technical determinations and/or make technical observations in one or more fields of scientific endeavor that usually yield technical data about the phenomena under investigation.

The fields may include chemistry, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, psychology, biology, geology, bacteriology, and other similar fields. The technical data yielded are used primarily for research and teaching, but may also relate to public service, such as patient care or agricultural extension.

Incumbents work under academic supervision, although they may report directly to a higher level Staff Research Associate. They may participate or assist in teaching activities by discussing experimental procedures with students, demonstrating procedures, working with faculty in presenting, developing or modifying portions of course material, and by providing technical supervision to students and visitors during assigned periods. However, they do not have formal responsibility for teaching and course content.

Normally, engagement in teaching activities is ancillary to engagement in research activities under academic supervision.

Under supervision, incumbents perform:

• A wide variety of standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures at the full operational or journey level of skill in one field of specialty.
• Limited variety of non-standard laboratory and/or field experimental procedures requiring ingenuity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to special and changing needs of research in one specialized field.
• Limited variety or repetitive but highly specialized laboratory and/or field experimental procedures.

They modify, vary or adapt standard procedures to meet the needs of research projects, or improve tests that are unsatisfactory, and after studying literature, analyze and alter conditions under which determinations are made.

Assignments at this level of difficulty are typically non-supervisory; however, an SRA 2 NEX may also be assigned management responsibility for a small laboratory unit, with at least one Staff Research Associate I or a group of lower-level laboratory employees such as Laboratory Assistants, Animal Technicians, etc., including ordering supplies and equipment and ensuring proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Chemical analyst performing a wide variety of chemical analyses, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of unknowns, by using standard methods and developing modifications of standard methods to meet special needs.
• Entomologist in the biological control unit, in charge of rearing of various species of insects and parasites.
• Plant pathologist identifying mycological organisms on plant material by microscopic examination and keying.
• Microbiologist isolating and purifying cultures of fungus and bacterial organisms from plant or animal materials.
• Histologist performing a wide variety of standardized, but intricate and delicate procedures for preparing and examining plant materials.
• Experimental psychologist assisting in psycho-physiological experiments on man and animals, preparing subjects and performing psychophysical tests, improving tests and analyzing data.
• Electron microscopist preparing tissue for electron microscopy and maintaining equipment.

Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential for successful performance of duties. These are typically acquired through extensive study and experience.

Background check will be required.

An online application is required for each position. The University of California, Merced provides accommodations for differently abled applicants.

As a condition of employment, candidates must disclose certain administrative or judicial decisions.

The University of California is an Equal…