The Air Quality Research Center is seeking an Instrumentation Specialist to maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and optimize our advanced laboratory equipment, including XRF spectrometers, thermal optical analyzers, FTIR systems, optical absorption instruments, and automated gravimetric weighing systems. This position works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Operations Manager.
Apply By Date: September 19, 2025 at 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Experience in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory or industrial instrumentation.
- Knowledge of calibration principles and practices.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and SOPs.
- Proficiency in documenting maintenance, repairs, and calibrations.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)
- Bachelor's degree in analytical chemistry, engineering, physical sciences, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
- Experience in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of XRF and/or FTIR instruments specifically.
- Experience with analytical instruments such as XRF spectrometers, thermal optical analyzers, FTIR spectrometers, or optical absorption systems.
- Familiarity with automated gravimetric weighing systems.
- Experience working within a laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) framework.
- Experience training others in instrument operation and maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate with vendors and technical support for complex instrumentation issues.
- Proficiency in developing, revising, and implementing SOPs for laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of environmental or air quality research instrumentation.
Key Responsibilities
- 50% - Instrument Maintenance and Repair
- 20% - Caliberations
- 20% - Documentation, SOPs, and Training
- 10% - Special Projects and Analytical Support
Department Overview
The UC Davis Air Quality Research Center (AQRC) is a growing interdisciplinary Organized Research Unit (ORU). Its mission is to facilitate research on the scientific, engineering, health, social, and economic aspects of gaseous and particulate atmospheric pollutants.
AQRC analyzes particulate matter samples for the United States National Park Service (NPS) Interagency Monitoring for Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Speciation Network (CSN). IMPROVE was established in 1985 to monitor visibility in the National Parks and Wilderness Areas, and AQRC operates over 150 air pollution sampling sites for IMPROVE, as well as analyzes samples, processes the analysis data, and delivers data to the NPS and EPA. CSN collects samples in an urban monitoring network with over 140 sites. For CSN, AQRC analyzes samples, processes the analysis data, and delivers data to the EPA.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $28.88 - $ 46.46/hour
- Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
- Salary Grade: 108
- UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8-5
- 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.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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
University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
Sep 05, 2025