Chemistry Lab Assistant (On-Site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is Step 1: $26.79 - Step 5: $31.89. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $26.79/hr .

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully On-Site. The shift for is position is a Evening Schedule.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around January 29, 2026.

This position is represented by the bargaining unit UPTE: Technical - TX.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the direction of the Chemistry Instructional Lab Coordinators, the Lab Assistant's primary responsibility will be assisting in the setup and maintenance of the chemistry instructional labs. This will include the preparation of chemical solutions for laboratory experiments. The incumbent will also be responsible for operational support for the chemistry instructional labs, including organizing and monitoring supplies, directing student assistants, requesting orders, maintaining lab room equipment inventories, and maintenance/repair of lab room equipment. The lab is a 24-hour operation, and employees may be assigned and reassigned to varying shifts as needed, depending on the needs of the operation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• From written procedures, formulas, and/or verbal instructions, independently plan and prepare chemical solutions for instructional laboratory experiments, test sensitive chemical solutions for viability, plan and prepare course supplies, and plan and prepare lab room equipment.
• Set up and tear down General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic lab course experiments, maintain levels of chemicals and supplies used in courses each week, and attend weekly instructional meetings as schedule allows.
• Assist teaching staff with chemical, supply, and equipment issues. Assist teaching staff with safety and emergency procedures. Provide instructional materials to teaching staff as needed.
• Train and direct student assistants in the safe handling of chemicals, safe laboratory practices, and support activities.
• Maintain working knowledge of lab safety and emergency procedures; assure compliance with proper procedure. Properly process, monitor, and dispose of hazardous materials. Maintain chemical inventory for chemistry lab courses in electronic format. Update UC Chemicals frequently.
• Monitor course supply inventories and request orders to ensure adequate levels of supplies at all times. Maintain lab room equipment inventory in electronic format. Perform inventory checks at the end of each semester and locate lab room equipment as necessary. Maintain and prepare lab room equipment for use, checking for proper repair. Prepare lab room equipment for storage (clean and/or disassemble).
• Ensure the lab preparation areas and the class laboratories are maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Report facilities issues immediately to Lab Coordinators or facilities management.
• Assist in the development and electronic maintenance of procedure lab documentation to support all lab operations.
• Provide performance evaluation information of student assistants to Lab Coordinators. Assist in hiring of student assistants as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Chemistry or related science

  and/or equivalent certification/experience/training. (Preferred)

AND

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and three years of laboratory experience or two years of college, including courses in the natural, physical, or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of chemicals, from organic to inorganic.
• Demonstrated communication skills to convey information accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with people from a wide variety of ethnic, social, and educational backgrounds. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated skill in writing logical, concise, and grammatically correct documents, procedures, and instructions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse populations and establish good working relationships with internal and external staff. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain clear and complete records.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and maintain a clean, shared laboratory preparation area.
• Demonstrated skill in setting priorities under conflicting demands of time to reflect organizational goals; ability to work with frequent interruptions and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to operate PC with software for Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other programs as needed.
• Ability to read and comprehend fine print on chemical labels and catalogs.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

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.

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/