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.

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Laboratory Manager, provide expertise and perform quality assurance oversight for the analytical measurements including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), gravimetric mass, and light absorption and assist as necessary in other analytical areas such as thermal optical analysis. The lab analyzes over 100,000 samples/year for two nationwide air quality monitoring networks. Routine responsibilities include assisting with instrument maintenance, performing quality control tests and reviewing results, preparing quality assurance report sections, preparing analysis reports, developing enhancements to standard operating procedures, training new laboratory technicians, developing quality assurance procedures and quality control checks, performing data validation, and serving as the laboratory safety officer. Periodic responsibilities include analyzing data for trends in both the atmosphere and the measurements and developing calibration reference materials.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sit at a desk in front of a monitor for long periods.
• Push, pull, and lift laboratory equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• M.S. in analytical chemistry, physics, engineering, or related field, with at least three years of experience working in an analytical laboratory.
• Knowledge, understanding, and experience with spectral analysis techniques. Knowledge of good laboratory practices and quality assurance protocols.
• Experience initiating, establishing, interpreting, implementing, and documenting laboratory quality control procedures. Attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral technical communication skills, and experience presenting research findings.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, nuclear physics, or related field.
• Experience operating and maintaining XRF analyzers, thermal optical analyzers for carbon, balances, and other analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with laser optical systems. Experience performing air quality measurements.
• Experience working with large data sets using relational databases.
• Experience with scientific programming languages such as R.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.