Staff Research Associate 1

Job Summary

The Staff Research Associate 1, Animal Tech will assist with tasks around the Surgical Research Facility (SRF) related to the care and management of the facility and laboratory animals, and will, under general supervision of the SRF Director/Supervisor and other lead techs, coordinate and assist with efforts for the multiple PIs that utilize the facility. This position requires working closely with the SRF Supervisor, staff, and investigators to ensure that protocol objectives are met, including (but not limited to) data collection, tissue collection, animal support, and administrative tasks among other essential duties. This position will ultimately support the activities and research leading to novel advancements utilized in clinical trials for both clinical and veterinary purposes. This position is integral to future program projects and to the success of SRF and the Stem Cell Program’s goal in finding novel treatments to save or better the lives of patients with currently incurable diseases. This position will require overnight and weekend shifts.

Apply By Date: 6/11/2026 by 11:59pm

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

• High School Diploma or GED
• Prior experience in a translational research environment with large animals or large animal veterinary clinical work.
• Prior experience working with pigs, sheep, lambs, or piglets.
• Experienced in reviewing IACUC protocols, maintaining compliance, and facility Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prior Experience in a research environment and an understanding of basic study design principles.
• Demonstrated ability of animal handling, husbandry, and restraint techniques in sheep, pigs, dogs, and/or cats.
• Demonstrate effective communication and ability to work in a team-like settings.
• Experienced in record keeping, Microsoft applications, data acquisition systems (e.g. BIOPAC), and cloud-based storage (BOX, OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox...).
• Basic understanding of cardiac and respiratory anatomy and physiology.
• Must know how to acquire animal vitals (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• AALAS Certification at the ALAT level or higher or eligibility within 1 year of hire.
• BS Degree in Biological Sciences, Animal Science, Molecular Science, or related field or a BS within 6 months of application in a related science field.
• Experience with large animal (sheep, pig, dog, or cat) handling and husbandry.
• Previous experience with positive reinforcement training in dogs, pigs, or other animals.
• Basic experience with post-mortem tissue harvests and tissue fixation.
• Previous project management experience, husbandry management, or facility management.
• Experience in large animal handling and anesthetic induction/ maintenance, and recovery.
• Prior experience working with IV pumps, syringe Pumps, and mechanical ventilators.
• Prior Experience with Recordkeeping of ICU-type settings and basic oversight for critical animals.
• Prior experience with management (facility, staff, or project)- Managerial mindset.
• Must have prior experience in a customer service setting
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with focus and initiative.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Administrative/Facility Upkeep/Compliance
• 40% - Technical - Animal Study Support
• 15% - Teaching
• 5% - Miscellaneous
  
  

Department Overview

The School of Medicine (SOM) Surgical Research Facility (SRF) is located on the UC Davis campus. The SRF offers preclinical research and training in a wide variety of large animal models. It includes animal holding rooms, procedure rooms, and surgical suites. The Stem Cell Program and the SRF are partnered in the development and furtherance of innovative translational research at UC Davis.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.69 - $34.22
• 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): Day
• Location: UCD Inst for Regenerative Cure (HSP041)
• 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
  
  

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
• 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
  
  

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
  
  

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8 Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 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.

Valid California driver's license. Schedule is to include one or both weekend days as part of regular working schedule. Work flexible hours, periodic overtime, weekends, overnight and holidays. Work with animals in a research setting. Work in a high health status, limited access, rodent barrier facility. No smoking, no eating, and no beverages in laboratory or vivarium areas. Maintain confidentiality of client information. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.

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
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
  
  

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