University of California, Davis
Instrumentation Specialist (SRA 2 NEX)
University of California, Davis, Davis, California, us, 95617
Job Summary
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 February 03, 2026 at 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications
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% - Calibrations
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
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 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.
EEO Statement 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.
Additional Information 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Apply By Date February 03, 2026 at 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications
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% - Calibrations
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
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 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.
EEO Statement 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.
Additional Information 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr