Under general direction of the Laboratory Manager, responsible for monitoring and directing the daily activities of the drug testing laboratory personnel and activities to meet production goals and ensure adherence to internal processes and procedures. As a group leader, directly responsible for assignment and coordination of a wide range of test technologies including screening and confirmation analysis using GC-MS and LC-MS. Responsible for the supervision of multiple chemists and staff performing complex analytical testing procedures. Under general guidance from the laboratory manager and in conjunction with graduate students and academic personnel, direct research projects for the analysis of small and large molecules in biological matrices. Responsibilities will involve all aspects of research projects including formulating strategies for novel and new extraction and analytical techniques utilizing LC-MS and GC-MS, supervising personnel, researching literature, and summarizing data for publication. Responsible for direct method development work to enhance the drug testing capability of the lab utilizing new technology as available and participating in the update and development of analytical procedures, quality control procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Responsible for coordination and planning of confirmation analyses including "B" samples to confirm work of other laboratories.
Apply By Date September 9, 2026 at 11:59pm, PSTMinimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position - Advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field, or equivalent experience/training with demonstrated experience in related field.
- Experience providing effective management and leadership in a fast-paced, high throughput regulated laboratory environment with strict turnaround times.
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining LC-MS or LC-MS/MS instrumentation in a laboratory setting and demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation issues independently including skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify resolution.
- Experience with LC-MS method development and validation in a regulatory or diagnostic lab environment including proven ability to develop and validate complex methods (including sample prep and analysis) for chromatographic separations with mass spectrometry detection, with strong knowledge of statistics and QA/QC principles to ensure accuracy and robustness.
- Strong organizational skills, independent thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and deliver high-quality results including skills to obtain, comprehend, and consider others' priorities, opinions and concerns.
- Demonstrated success in leading, motivating, and mentoring multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment.
- Familiarity with ISO, or other regulatory frameworks relevant to analytical testing.
Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience/training including membership in the Association of Official Racing Chemists.
- Extensive supervisory/management experience in a laboratory environment including performance management, coaching, hiring/releasing staff, and directing the work of others.
- Extensive knowledge of instrument maintenance, calibration, and performance optimization for Thermo LC-MS and Agilent GC-MS systems including data analysis software. (Q-Exactive, Quantiva, Altis/Tracefinder, Xcalibur, Masshunter).
Key Responsibilities - 55% - Lab Management & Supervision
- 25% - Analytical Procedure & Testing/ Quality Program & Other Duties
- 20% - Method Development & Project Assistance
Department OverviewCAHFS provides California's livestock and poultry industries, and veterinary practitioners who serve them, with a full range of diagnostic laboratory services for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animal and humans. In meeting this need, the CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories currently located in Davis, Turlock, Tulare and San Bernardino. Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and through revenue generated from user fees. An additional program, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, is funded through a contract with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and horse wagering monies and provides full-service drug testing and a pharmacology research and development program.
POSITION INFORMATION - Salary or Pay Range: $79 , 400 /annually - $144 , 000 /annually - Please note: This position is subject to a departmental budgeted salary range of: $79,400 /annually - $111,700/ annually; commensurate with education and experience.
- Salary Frequency: Annually
- UC Job Title: LAB RSCH SUPV 2
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100 % - Fixed
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Location: Davis, CA.
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
BenefitsOutstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees .
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life , short/long term disability , pet insurance , legal coverage , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave , Family & Medical Leave , Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands - Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Environmental Demands - Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands - Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work EnvironmentUC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
This position is not eligible for remote work, due to the nature of the essential responsibilities. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period). Work flexible schedule as needed to complete projects and meet deadlines. Mandatory weekend and holiday rotation. Restricted/Limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.). This position is subject to Vaccination Program (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, etc.), and Medical/Health Surveillance Program/Procedures/Review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential. Work in area where there is constant noise from pump operation. Per the terms and agreements of the department's contracts and grants, the position requires signing of a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding testing and client information.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position - This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.
