Tissue Culture Lab Assistant (LAB AST 3)

Prepare standard media, reagents, and solutions both under supervision and independently. Transfer meristem-tip culture plants of FPS crops using standard protocols. Maintain a clean lab environment and assist laboratory personnel in miscellaneous projects.

Apply By Date October 2nd 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

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

• Minimum of two years of college-level course work in related field of study.
• Experience performing highly repetitive techniques pertaining to sterile culture, including separation of stock solutions and media.
• Experience with and knowledge of tissue culture technology including microbiology and sterile technique.
• Skills to produce and use inventory lists of transferred or transplanted plants to update the department computer database.
• Skills to record an inventory of work performed and label plant material.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of grape and strawberry micro-shoot tip culture.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Laboratory General Maintenance
• 40% - Perform Tissue Culture for FPS Crops
• 10% - Participate in Efforts to Maintain an Efficient Smooth-Running Department

Department Overview

Foundation Plant Services (FPS) is a self-supporting service center in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines, strawberries, and roses for research and public commercial use. FPS also operates the National Importation program through which grape, fruit and nut tree, and rose germplasm is imported, tested for disease, and made available for public distribution. FPS manages 140 acres of fields in and around Davis. The gross income of FPS is approximately $8 million per year.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.97/hr. - $34.49/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 3
• UC Job Code: 009602
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8:00AM-5:00PM
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: TX-Technical 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 by visiting or or .

• High quality and low-cost to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for and coverage for you and your family
• for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including , , , , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• , , and for eligible employees
• and Family Care discounts and resources
• to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• and for eligible employees

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.

Work in enclosed areas treated with pesticides after re-entry period is reached. Work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions, including outdoors, under all seasonal conditions. Perform repetitious work. Work overtime and/or flexible hours to finish assigned tasks.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• N/A

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