Lab Assistant 2

Position Number: 41203997

Payroll Title: LAB AST 2 (009603)

Job Code: 009603

Job Open Date: 9/24/25

Application Review Begins: 10/9/25

Department Code (Name): ERTH (EARTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): TX - Technical Professionals

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: STEPS

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $22.94 to $23.87/hour. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $22.11 to $26.05/hour.

Work Location: Ellison Hall, Room 2224, #1

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am to 4pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Earth Research Institute is an organized research unit whose mission is to support research and education in the sciences of our solid, fluid and living Earth. ERI fosters new multidisciplinary collaborations studying how Earth processes affect mankind and how mankind perturbs the Earth. Professor Alex Simms is the Interim Director of the unit. Seventy-three independent research groups and three centers conduct and administer their research using the facilities and resources of the Institute.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

The job duties for this position are as follows:

• Collection of plant and eco-physiological data in the field and lab (plant water status, plant hydraulic efficiency).

• Process geo-spatial data and remote sensing data.

• Installation of instrumentation to measure abiotic conditions (temperature, humidity, light availability) and plant water use (sap flow).

• Assistance with coordination of field campaigns at California field sites.

• Laboratory measurements of plant hydraulics and plant morphology.

• Assist in construction of laboratory equipment.

• Execute field protocols semi-autonomously.

• Execute laboratory protocols autonomously.

• Data entry and QA/QC (maintain organized data, field notes, and record keeping).

• Assist PIs and graduate student with project management.

• Work responsibly individually and on a team.

• Communicate clearly and frequently with field team lead and project PIs with field team lead and project PIs

• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science or related natural science

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 yr Field experience in ecology or related natural science
• 1-3 yr Experience with plant physiology, ecological datasets, or plant common garden experiments
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work and multi-task
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Knowledge and skills similar to upper division college skills (although an actual undergraduate degree in the field is not a requirement).
• Fieldwork experience in environmental sciences or related field.
• Good interpersonal skills for working with a research team.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

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 allegation 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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 30% Field Work - Collect plant ecophysiological measurements in the field
• 30% Lab Analysis - Perform plant physiological measurements in the laboratory and greenhouse
• 20% Data Processing - Collect and collate geospatial data for the extraction of remote sensing data. Basic data analysis
• 10% Logistic Coordination - Data entry and field/laboratory logistical coordination with research team
• 10% Miscellaneous - Various other duties as assigned

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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