Lab Assistant 2 - Modesto, CA, Job ID 85489

The main responsibilities of the Laboratory Assistants are to set up, evaluate, and analyze field and lab research projects; prepare samples or specimens for examination, processing, and sectioning tissue as well as set up & maintain research equipment. Assist in the setup, maintenance, and evaluation of field research projects. Summarize and minimally analyze research data; and assist in the assembly, testing, and operation of complex laboratory equipment. Technical assignments at this level typically include duties such as: preparing samples for radiochemical analyses, preparing complex reagents and media using basic ingredients, processing serum from whole blood, preparing components required for media making, preparing specimens for examination by professional and/or academic personnel, preparing concentration specimens, removing fluids and preservatives by pipetting and using solvents, preparing smear and imprint impressions, processing and sectioning tissues, preparing and staining slides, grinding tissues and placing in suspension for passage into host animals, and dissecting laboratory animals exposing tissues for examination.

This position is a limited term appointment that is 40% variable.

Pay Scale: $25.81/hour to $28.17/hour

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 4/27/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

Requirements:

• Coursework and basic understanding of the scientific principles behind research area.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous field activities (lifting, carrying, harvesting, soil sampling, etc.) in the summer heat.
• Ability to use specialized lab and field equipment, with training.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and accurately.
• Ability to use data collection and measurement software, as well as Excel, PowerPoint and Word in order to detail the measurement.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

  1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

     • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

       • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

       • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId=85489&PostingSeq=1

External Candidates*: You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Click the 'Register Now' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.

*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.