Instrumentation Specialist; SRA NEX

Job Summary

The Air Quality Research Center is seeking an Instrumentation Specialist to maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and optimize our advanced laboratory equipment, including XRF spectrometers, thermal optical analyzers, FTIR systems, optical absorption instruments, and automated gravimetric weighing systems. This position works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Operations Manager.

February 03, 2026 at 11:59pm

• Experience in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory or industrial instrumentation.
• Knowledge of calibration principles and practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and SOPs.
• Proficiency in documenting maintenance, repairs, and calibrations.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)
• Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, engineering, physical sciences, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Experience in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of XRF and/or FTIR instruments specifically.
• Experience with analytical instruments such as XRF spectrometers, thermal optical analyzers, FTIR spectrometers, or optical absorption systems.
• Familiarity with automated gravimetric weighing systems.
• Experience working within a laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) framework.
• Experience training others in instrument operation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with vendors and technical support for complex instrumentation issues.
• Proficiency in developing, revising, and implementing SOPs for laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of environmental or air quality research instrumentation.

• 50% - Instrument Maintenance and Repair
• 20% - Calibrations
• 20% - Documentation, SOPs, and Training
• 10% - Special Projects and Analytical Support

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.

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.88 - $46.46/hour
• Salary Frequency:
  Bi‑Weekly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  SRA 2 NEX
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M‑F, 8‑5
• Location:
  
  Davis, CA
• Union Representation:
  Yes - RX
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes
• This position is 100% on‑site

• 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
• Work Life and Wellness programs and resources
• On‑site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance…