Staff Research Assistant 1

#CA-DK

The laboratory of Glenn Yiu, M.D., Ph.D. in the Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Staff Research Assistant to work closely with the principal investigator on research projects involving ocular imaging, retinal cell biology, genome engineering, and gene therapy. Dr. Yiu is a clinician-scientist who combines work as a retinal surgeon with translational and clinical research in retinal diseases, with a focus on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), gene editing, and gene therapy across mouse, nonhuman primates, and human studies. As such, the successful candidate will be exposed to cutting-edge technologies and research in vision science and eye diseases.

The research lab is located in Tupper Hall at UC Davis Main Campus in Davis. More information about the principal investigator and reading center can be found at: https://health.ucdavis.edu/eyecenter/yiulab/index.html.

The qualified candidate must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or current eligibility to work in the United States. This is a full-time appointment, with occasional evening and weekend hours for management of experiments. A 3-year minimum commitment is required.

Apply By October 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or a combination of experience and training.
• Prior experience in a research lab setting or college environment
• Demonstrated skill and experience with molecular biology.
• Familiarity with protein analytical methods.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to obtain help when needed, such as learning new techniques from collaborators.
• Skill with molecular cloning.
• Experience with lab chemicals, reagents, and instrumentation.
• Skilled in communicating and cooperating with others and working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated skills to keep organized notebooks and records in a fashion that others can easily understand and utilize.
• Mathematical skills required to perform routine calculations and prepare chemical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems and consult with the PI.
• Ability to assist new personnel in the lab.
• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and scientific terminology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with laboratory experience in cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, bioengineering, or a closely related field
• 1-2 years of full-time lab work experience highly preferred
• Highly motivated, organized, and responsible individual with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work and troubleshoot independently.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Planning, Execution, and Presenting Experiments
• 20% - Lab Duties

Department Overview

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at the UC Davis Eye Center is an academic/clinical department consisting of 23 faculty members, including clinicians and researchers. The department also has 8 optometrists, 12 residents, 5 fellows, 24 volunteer clinical faculty members, and approximately than 150 staff members, with an annual budget of $22 million. The Department's goals and objectives are to achieve excellence in patient care, teaching, research, and public service. Patient care must receive the highest priority with the best possible service in all areas of Ophthalmic care.

In addition, the teaching of residents, medical students, and post-graduate physicians must be facilitated. PhD and MD faculty are joined in mutual research efforts to seek new knowledge in the treatment and prevention of blinding eye diseases. All of this is accomplished within the best working environment for all employees.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.52 - $31.64
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 107
• UC Job Title: SRA 1
• UC Job Code: 009613
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 08 Hours
• Location: Tupper (TUPPERHAL)
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• THIS IS NOT AN H-1B VISA OPPORTUNITY

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

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

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

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 Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. 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.

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