Screening Chemist (SRA 3)

Under the general direction of the Laboratory Research Supervisor 1, responsible for the performance of organic analysis for the determination of xenobiotic residues in biological specimens. Responsible for participating in the update & development of analytical procedures, quality control procedures, & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Responsible for interacting with external clients to accept B" samples for analysis."

Apply By Date: January 1, 2026

Qualifications

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

• Advanced degree in analytical chemistry or equivalent combination of educational background & experience in organic residue analyses using HPLC, MS & GC instrumentation to equate to an advanced degree.
• Background and experience in high-throughput diagnostic analytical chemistry, particularly organic residue analysis using HPLC, MS, LC, and GC instrumentation.
• Skills to perform techniques and procedures for analysis of biological specimens, mathematical calculations and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry and skills to critically read, interpret, evaluate and apply analytical procedures described in the literature.
• Knowledge of developing novel approaches or modifying described/published analytical procedures to expand testing capabilities of the EACL laboratory.
• Knowledge of sample preparation techniques such as solid phase and liquid-liquid sample extraction, sample spiking and matrix matching as well as skills to prepare analytical reagents, solutions, controls and standards.
• Skills operating a wide range of manual and computer-controlled analytical equipment including Gas Chromatograph, Liquid Chromatograph and Mass Spectrometers, and the ability to maintain and troubleshoot equipment and obtain maximum performance from instruments.
• Knowledge of QA/QC to continuously produce high quality data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge & skill to operate high performance analytical equipment including the Thermo Orbitrap (Q-Exactive), Thermo triple quadrupole mass spectrometers (Quantum Ultra, Vantage, Quantiva, Altis), & linear ion-trap mass spectrometers.
• Ability to become familiar with and apply good laboratory practices as well as safety procedures and other policies and procedures outlined by CAHFS, the EACL Laboratory and the University, and follow safe working practices.
• Familiarity with literature sources of analytical procedures.
• Ability to perform appropriate and cost-effective ordering and use of laboratory and/or offices supplies and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Analytical Procedure & Testing
• 20% - Method Development and Project Assistance
• 10% - Laboratory Management
• 10% - Quality Control

Department Overview

The CAHFS laboratory provides livestock/poultry industries, and veterinarians who serve them, with diagnostic lab support service for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animals and humans. The Davis laboratory is the central reference laboratory for the CAHFS. It provides a full range of diagnostic procedures for all species of livestock, including poultry. The Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory is responsible for all Equine drug testing for CAHFS.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,759.29 - $112,173.89 (Department budgeted salary range: $69,759.29 - $78,570.35/yr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency:
• Salary Grade: 105
• UC Job Title: SRA 3
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday; 8:00am -5:00pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RX
• 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
• 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.

This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential. Per the terms and agreements of the department's contracts and grants, the position requires signing of a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding testing and client information. Work in area where there is constant noise from equipment operation. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am -5:00pm. Restricted/Limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.). Share weekend/holiday coverage as needed. All CAHFS employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. Must wear laboratory required/supplied PPE and participate in Health Surveillance Program. This position is subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies, as well as medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and to handle/dispose of infectious materials. May, at times, work with or be in areas where biohazardous and chemical materials and infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards of the position are, but are not limited to salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, hot acids, bases, ethers and other chemicals.

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

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