Open Positions

Applicants should email a pdf copy of their CV, a cover letter, with the names and contact information for three professional references to Prof. Cristina Davis ( ). Please only send your materials to this gmail account, where we are accumulating CVs for review. Do not send CC your material to the UC Davis email address.

Applications reviewed immediately, interviews begin 01 JUN 2021. Due to the large number of requests, it is not possible to reply to all inquiries.

*NEW* Open Position - Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on Ion Mobility Spectrometry Instrumentation

Our research group has active projects on-going in the area of miniature ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) related chemical sensors. We are developing next-generation field portable devices capable of monitoring for specific compounds in very complex and challenging operating environments. Chemical sensors that can rapidly, accurately, and specifically detect extremely small concentrations of specific materials in complex environments are urgently needed. Such technologies can make an impact on everything from public health to national defense.

Our new solid state gas sensors are related to the categories of devices known as ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) sensors, but our new concepts differ in critical operating parameters and principles. We aim for our devices to be useful for similar ambient chemical detection applications but with a fraction of the energy usage, and they will be designed for minimal packaging and simpler systems for deployment in the field.

Candidates must have previously published in the area of IMS and/or FAIMS and/or DMS sensor systems. This is a multi-year funded position, contingent upon strong performance in the first year of employment.

Objectives of the project will include:

• Design and implementation of process flow for microfabrication of a next-generation sensor.
• Chemical characterization of the sensor performance under realistic conditions.
• Mathematical modeling and simulations for new ion mobility sensor configurations.
• Fine tuning the device parameters for specific chemical detection applications.

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or highly related engineering or science discipline(s)
• Prior peer-reviewed journal publications on IMS and/or FAIMS and/or DMS development and testing
• Prior experience and skills in micro/nanofabrication processes and cleanroom work
• Prior experience with mathematical modeling of advanced IMS, FAIMS or DMS detection systems for chemical analysis
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Skill, knowledge, and ability to prepare written manuscripts on experimental and theoretical data analysis and experimental methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to discuss, plan, and present results to a multi-disciplinary laboratory group, and to interact with personnel from different academic disciplines
• Strong leadership skills to guide research of graduate and undergraduate student lab members

The following are also recommended:

• Prior experience with engineering prototyping and benchmarking new sensor system performance
• Experience with CFD/FEA or ion chemistry modeling
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively
• Skill and ability to effectively teach general health and safety procedures to laboratory personnel
• Ability to effectively adapt to organizational change and contribute towards general laboratory research goals

Why Work at UC Davis?

UC Davis is a place with a purpose. Whether caring for human and animal health, addressing issues in the changing environment, cultivating and protecting food systems, or enriching lives through art and intellectual exploration, we are united in our understanding that cutting-edge innovation and open minds will increase the quality of life for all. When you join UC Davis, you grow and transform while helping to transform UC Davis. You are part of a unique, interdisciplinary community that embraces the challenge of addressing the greatest issues of our time while growing personally and professionally.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 nondiscrimination policy.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.