Lab Research Associate (SRA 2) Position

-Application closed-

Job Summary
Work as part of a research team under the direction of the PI studying the population genomics of mosquito vectors of human malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Duties include (i) molecular genetics laboratory work including DNA extractions, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, NGS library preparation, MassArray multiplex assays, PacBio long-read sequencing, etc., (ii) downstream data management and analysis using various informatics software and (iii) prepare draft manuscripts based on their own work and provide editorial review of drafts prepared by other lab researchers. The incumbent will be encouraged, but not required, to travel to field sites in Equatorial Guinea (west Africa) and, possibly, other sites in Africa to assist with Anopheles mosquito collections, processing, extraction, and laboratory setup.

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Apply By Date: May 04, 2026 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

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

• Bachalor's Degree in biological sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Documented hands-on experience (through employment, thesis, or coursework) performing molecular biology techniques, including at least two of the following: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing library preparation, or genotyping.
• Experience working in a research laboratory for a minimum of 1 year (academic, government, or industry), as evidenced by employment history or academic research appointments.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to scientific writing, such as manuscript drafts, reports, theses, or abstracts (e.g., publications, preprints, or documented writing contributions).
• Knowledge of entomology or related organismal biology as demonstrated by coursework, research experience, or publications.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical and statistical concepts and skill in using standard computer and scientific software, including data analysis or analytical tools such as R, Python, ArcGIS, or comparable platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively in a research team environment, including communication of results through lab meetings, presentations, or written summaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in biological sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Background in mosquito population genetics, genomics and/or bioinformatics 
• Experience using command-line tools and scripting languages (e.g., R, Python) to support population genetics or genomics analyses.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment care and maintenance including autoclave, PCR machines, laboratory freezers, etc.
   

Key Responsibilities

45% - Population Genomics Research

• Develop and conduct molecular laboratory experiments and analysis on > 4000 samples/year under BSL2 conditions, including DNA extraction, quantification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and quality control that further the primary lab goals.
• Conduct genotyping using a MassArray instrument and the associated software to score individual genotypes, proof-read chromatographs and enter data into a web-based database.
• Prepare libraries for both Illumina and PacBio whole genome sequencing, conduct quality control assays on these libraries and prepare libraries for sequencing by the DNA core facility for Illumina and for PacBio on the VGL lab’s PacBio Vega machine.
• Assist with ongoing mosquito-based research projects involving mosquito rearing or non-target species as assigned.
• Communicate results and relevant updates in weekly lab meetings.
• Manage the organization of incoming samples from field sites to ensure they are labeled, sorted, and entered into the online database correctly. Assist lab members in locating samples for research

40% - Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Presentation

• Perform complex analysis of genetic and ecological data using established analytical software and workflows
• Generate graphic representation of analytical results in the form of figures, tables, and summary outputs for internal review and external reporting.
• Assist with interpretation of analytical results in consultation with the PI and senior lab members.
• Prepare manuscript drafts based on results
• Assist with editorial review of manuscripts prepared by other researchers in the lab

15% - Laboratory Maintenance and Training

• Support laboratory operations by assisting with ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, organizing laboratory space and travel supplies, and maintaining equipment.
• Assist in writing reports/publications including formatting of articles and use of reference management software.
• Lead or assist with training on specific laboratory instruments (e.g., MassArray) under established procedures
• Present research findings at lab meetings and, as assigned, at conferences or outreach events.
   

Department Overview

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology is one of six academic departments in the School of Veterinary Medicine; it provides a unique and critical linkage between the basic and clinical sciences. The mission of the department is the effective integration of the disciplines of immunology, microbiology (including bacteriology, parasitology and virology) and pathology (both anatomic and clinical) into the teaching, research, and service programs of the school and campus. Through this mission, the department promotes the understanding of causes and diagnosis of disease in animals and the mechanisms by which diseases develop at the organismal, cellular and molecular, and, increasingly, genetic levels. The correlated applied (translational) mission is to advance the use of morphologic, microbiologic, biochemical, genetic, and immunologic methods for diagnosis and prevention of disease.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $31.21 - $50.21 
Salary Frequency: Hourly 
Salary Grade: 106
UC Job Title: SRA 2
UC Job Code: 009612
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri (8am-5pm)
Location: Davis, Ca
Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
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
 

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.

Work in areas where hazardous materials are present. Work in open cubicle area where noise from others is present. Handle specimens in freezer rooms. Perform repetitive laboratory procedures (e.g., PCR). Lift and transport equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs. Work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratory environments.