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 are being conducted on a rolling basis. Due to the large number of requests, it is not possible to reply to all inquiries.

The BioInstrumentation and BioMEMS lab is seeking a highly motivated PhD chemist to conduct research either in chemometrics or mass spectrometry-based metabolomics using gold standard laboratory-based analytical platforms, and contribute to design and development of novel, portable chemical sensors.

Candidates must have in depth knowledge of mass spectrometry and chromatographic methods, data, and instrumentation. Ability to develop analysis protocols for a variety of sample matrices is a must. In depth knowledge of MS allied methodologies (especially ion mobility) is highly preferred.

The ideal candidate is a skilled researcher with a proven track record to work both independently and in highly collaborative team environments to executive research projects. The candidate should possess a strong ability to quickly learn a variety of experimental approaches and effectively execute experimental plans and analyze data. There will be opportunities to work on multiple projects across the biomedical and agriculture communities. This is a multi-year funded position, contingent upon strong performance in the first year of employment and availability of project funding.

Objectives of the project(s) will include:

• Designing and executing experiments to profile metabolomic content of complex samples (breath vapor, breath condensate, cell cultures, plant tissue) using GC-MS, LC-MS and ICP-MS.
• Developing, optimizing and adapting protocols for optimum analysis of various samples using appropriate analytical methodologies, especially mass spectrometry techniques like: Q, QqQ, ion trap, TOF, qTOF.
• Perform chemometric and metabolomic analyses on MS datasets, especially using regression and discriminant techniques to test diagnostic capabilities of biological assays (PCA, PLS, PLS-DA, SVM).
• Maintain analytical equipment, such as GC-MS and LC-MS systems.
• Participate in development, testing and benchmarking of portable chemical sensor devices and sample collection tools.
• Present and summarize scientific findings to funding agencies in reports and presentations, and prepare and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed scientific journals for publication.

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, chemometrics, metabolomics or a highly related science discipline
• Hand-on experience developing GC and LC methods, and in analyzing mass spectrometry datasets
• Deep knowledge of instrumentation related to mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and liquid chromatography
• 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:

• Working knowledge of biochemistry
• Experience with MS allied techniques, in particular ion mobility methods
• Experience testing chemical sensor systems, or willingness to learn established protocols
• 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.