Staff Research Associate 2

  • University of California Riverside
  • Riverside, California
  • Full Time


Staff Research Associate 2

Job ID:
Location: Main Campus - UCR
Schedule: 1PM - 10PM
Category: Science and Research
Salary: $60,301 - $97,008
Full/Part Time: Full-time(100%)
Organization: College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
Department: Kathy Carrington
Application Deadline: July 7, 2025

Position Information:
The incumbent shall perform technical and administrative duties related to the support of undergraduate instructional laboratory courses CHEM 005, CHEM 001LA-B-C, and CHEM 008LA-B-C, and provide the same services when necessary for any other laboratory courses e.g. CHEM 125, CHEM 111, CHEM 140, CHEM 155, CHEM 166, etc. within the Department of Chemistry. Particular skills and responsibilities include detailed knowledge of laboratory courses; effective communication with supervisor, faculty, staff, teaching assistants (TAs), student helpers and students; ordering and receiving of chemicals, supplies (non-chemical), safety items (personal protective equipment, PPEs) and equipment for laboratory use; store chemicals based on their hazard categories, maintain equipment and facilities, prepare reagents and student samples; assist students and TAs at the stockroom counter; set up equipment and laboratories for each experiment; maintain equipment, laboratories and electronic records of supplies; create, update and maintain complete chemical inventories for all rooms under control of the stockroom; generate waste tag and enter waste pick-up information into the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) online database as needed to ensure the safe and proper disposal of all chemical waste generated by the teaching labs; work as a team member; provide assistance to the teaching assistants in handling minor problems such as small spills; taking charge and informing the responding agencies in the case of more serious situations (such as student injuries). The incumbent advises teaching assistants regarding the proper procedures for laboratory experiments, as well as informing faculty and teaching assistants of any known or anticipated pitfalls.
Depending on the schedules of teaching courses, the incumbent will work 8 hrs in a day and the shift will vary depending on the priorities. The incumbent will work from 1 to 10 pm during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters and 8 am - 5 pm otherwise.

The full salary range for the Staff Research Associate 2 is $28.88 - $46.46 per hour. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $35.90 per hour. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Requirements:
Requirements

Educational Requirements

  • Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions. These skills, knowledge, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of extensive studies and experiences.
  • Required
  • B.S. in Chemistry or related experience.
  • Preferred

    Experience Requirements
  • Experience in gravimetric/volumetric/extraction/distillation/chromatographic separation/instrumental/qualitative/semi-quantitative/quantitative methods of chemical analysis, and sufficient theoretical and working knowledge of inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
  • Required
  • Experience of working with variety of chemicals e.g. toxic, carcinogenic, oxidizing, reducing, flammable, acidic , basic etc.
  • Preferred
  • Experience in an academic chemical stockroom and setting up student laboratories.
  • Preferred

    Special Conditions
    Special
  • Shift Work (hours outside standard Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM work hours)
  • Required
  • Overtime
  • Required

    Minimum Requirements
  • Knowledge of gravimetric/volumetric/extraction/distillation/chromatographic separation/instrumental/qualitative/semi-quantitative/quantitative methods of chemical analysis, and sufficient theoretical and working knowledge of inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
  • Theoretical and working knowledge of the use of balances, stirrers, spectrophotometers, pH meters, rotavapor, voltmeters, MP apparatus, FT-IR spectrometers, Calorimeter, Fluorimeter, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, and other laboratory equipment and instruments. Ability to prepare and test solutions for accuracy and purity. Expertise to perform and evaluate all course experiments correctly and accurately. Ability to maintain accurate and complete records for reagent preparation and inventory list of chemicals, glassware, equipment, and other supplies. Familiarity with EH&S and departmental safety policies and procedures and have good knowledge of safe laboratory practices. Skill to maintain, direct, and control a large laboratory operation. Ability to plan and utilize laboratory space efficiently and safely. Familiarity with standard inventory practices to determine supply needs. Ability to select qualified student assistants; organize work schedules; train and communicate with trainees.

    Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to work with, communicate with, and provide accurate information to a diverse group of Faculty, staff, and students, using both oral and written methods, effectively and diplomatically. Knowledge of current Cal OSHA safety regulations and practices as they apply to chemical laboratories and waste disposal. Advanced knowledge that is sufficient to evaluate and modify experiments for the teaching laboratory program. Knowledge of applicable University policies and procedures.

    Additional Information:
    Additional Information

    In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

    UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.

    • UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
    • UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
    • UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
    • Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
    • Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
    • UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

    The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

    For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview


    Job Description Details:
    Job Description Details

    General Information
    Job Title
    SRA 2 NEX Job Code
    009617 Grade
    Department Head
    Kathy Carrington Supervisor
    Pradip Bag

    Department Custom Scope
    The incumbent shall perform technical and administrative duties related to the support of undergraduate instructional laboratory courses CHEM 005, CHEM 001LA-B-C, and CHEM 008LA-B-C and provide the same services when necessary for any other laboratory courses e.g. CHEM 125, CHEM 111, CHEM 140, CHEM 155, CHEM 166, etc. within the Department of Chemistry.

    Particular skills and responsibilities include detailed knowledge of laboratory courses; effective
    communication with supervisor, faculty, staff, teaching assistants (TAs), student helpers and students;
    ordering and receiving of chemicals, supplies (non-chemical), safety items (personal protective equipment,
    PPEs) and equipment for laboratory use; store chemicals based on their hazard categories, maintain
    equipment and facilities, prepare reagents and student samples; assist students and TAs at the stockroom
    counter; set up equipment and laboratories for each experiment; maintain equipment, laboratories and
    electronic records of supplies; create, update and maintain complete chemical inventories for all rooms under
    control of the stockroom; generate waste tag and enter waste pick-up information into the Environmental
    Health and Safety (EH&S) online database as needed to ensure the safe and proper disposal of all chemical
    waste generated by the teaching labs; work as a team member; provide assistance to the teaching assistants
    in handling minor problems such as small spills; taking charge and informing the responding agencies in the
    case of more serious situations (such as student injuries). The incumbent advises teaching assistants regarding
    the proper procedures for laboratory experiments, as well as informing faculty and teaching assistants of any
    known or anticipated pitfalls.

    Depending on the schedules of teaching courses, the incumbent will work 8 hrs in a day and the shift will vary
    depending on the priorities. The incumbent will work from 1 to 10 pm during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and
    Summer quarters and 8 am - 5 pm otherwise.

    Key Responsibilities:
    Key Responsibilities DescriptionPercent Time
  • Instructional Laboratory Setup, Tear Down and Management

    Analyze written experiments for each course to determine the required chemicals and equipment. Acquire, prepare, and assemble the chemicals, supplies, and equipment needed to carry out the planned experiments. As necessary, test and evaluate new or modified experiments to verify collected results are consistent with the previous or theoretical results.

    Prepare chemical solutions, laboratory reagents, and student samples for laboratory courses CHEM 005, CHEM 001LA-B-C, and CHEM 008LA-B-C, and provide the same services when necessary for any other laboratory courses within the Department of Chemistry.

    Set up laboratories and related equipment for the experiments during Fall, Winter, Spring, and summer quarters. Tear down the experiment once it is over. Clean, refill, and reshelve all reagent bottles, glassware, and equipment.

    Periodically, check all instruments and apparatus to make sure they are in good working condition before each quarter.

    Order chemicals, equipment, and laboratory supplies in a timely manner for the smooth operation of the stockroom.

    Clean and service all teaching labs on a weekly and quarterly basis with the assistance of student helpers, report any problems to the supervisor and arrange for repairs by Facilities Services.

    Inform your supervisor of any necessary equipment upgrades. - Initiate the procurement process after obtaining budgetary approval.

    Arrange for the installation of the instruments or equipment and follow up with its maintenance at regular intervals.
  • 40%

  • Instructional Support to Students, Instructors, Lab Managers, and Teaching Assistants
    Serve as primary contact for laboratory courses CHEM 001LA-B-C, CHEM 005 etc. during normal work hours. Serve as primary contact for all the teaching labs (CHEM 001LA-B-C, CHEM 005, CHEM 125, CHEM 111, CHEM 140, CHEM 155, CHEM 166, CHEM 08LABC, etc.) after regular business hours (after 5 pm).

    Respond to emergencies within the teaching labs during laboratory classes by assessing the situation, assisting TAs in handling minor problems (such as small spills), and taking charge of serious emergencies (such as student injuries). Call the emergency response team and EH&S in the case of a major emergency.

    Assist faculty and Academic Coordinators in the training of Teaching Assistants for the laboratory courses. Inform the teaching assistants of preparatory issues including any alterations or substitutions that may have been made and not reflected in the published protocols. Attend TA meetings if you are requested to do so. Upon request, perform laboratory demonstrations for teaching assistant (TA) meetings as requested.

    Convey waste management information - safe handling and disposal of chemicals in the laboratory based on relevant regulatory policies from EH&S.

    Interact with students, teaching assistants, and faculty at the stockroom counter.

    Work independently to manage the course CHEM 005 and jointly with the other stockroom employees for the courses CHEM 001LABC, and CHEM 08LABC.
  • 20%

  • Housekeeping and Miscellaneous Responsibilities

    Perform housekeeping chores in the stockroom, storage areas, and teaching laboratories. Maintain inventories of chemicals and non-chemical items, restock, and organize them. Label drawers and shelves to accommodate new chemicals, glassware, and equipment. Comply with all requirements for record-keeping, labeling, storage, and use of regulated chemicals, carcinogens,
    and controlled substances.

    Periodically remove the chemicals or equipment which are no longer to be used in the laboratories. Make room for the chemicals or equipment for any new experiments the instructor plans to introduce.

    Send or drop off soiled lab coats for laundering and collect them from the facilities or EH&S locker.

    Maintain detailed records of the following: procedures used for preparing chemical reagents; list of chemicals and equipment needed for each experiment; procedures used for waste disposal; students 'unknown' samples; identification and composition of unknowns; other items as requested by the supervising faculty or academic coordinator responsible for the undergraduate
    lab program.

    Update the electronic files (inventory, setup, and any relevant files) for any changes made during the academic year and share the most recent files with the supervisor. Copy your supervisor for any discussions related to the laboratory management, course design, equipment purchase, lab
    upgrade, etc. or any relevant discussions.

    Assist the department personnel in checking the inventories of the items that were bought using the department or special funds. Assume the responsibilities of the other stockroom managers in their absence. When necessary and upon request, provide temporary support for tasks that are essential to the smooth operation of the instructional laboratory operation under the Chemistry department.
  • 15%

  • Training, and Supervising Student Workers

    Always get an approval from your supervisor for students hours before making any schedule.

    Supervise, train, and manage student employees. Provide step-by-step instructions for student workers. Instruct student helpers in proper lab procedures for dishwashing; chemical transfer; teaching lab maintenance and housekeeping; proper labeling and disposal of chemical waste; and cleaning and maintenance of equipment. Coordinate the schedule for each student worker to cover the stockroom counters.

    Delegate to student employees those tasks which are considered to involve fewer risks or hazards such as, cutting TLC plates, opening packages, wiping counters, washing hoods, switching off rotavaps and melting point apparatus, setup and dismantling of an experiment, washing burettes and pipettes, packaging student samples, etc. Always analyze the risks associated with any project that will be handled by a student employee. Discuss the risks with the student before he or she will undertake the project. Ensure the student employee has enough training and confidence to do the job you plan to delegate. If necessary, consult with your supervisor before delegating work.

    Upon request evaluate the performance of student employees, discuss, and resolve any complaints you may receive from the TAs or academic coordinators. Discuss any critical issues with your immediate supervisor.

    Maintain a log for student work and their work hours.
  • 15%

  • Chemical Waste Management and EH&S Duties

    On a regular interval collect, package, tag, and arrange for disposal of waste through campus Environmental Health and Safety. After optimal accumulation, send a reminder to the concerned EH&S personnel for waste to pick up.

    Evaluate laboratory safety policies. Formulate and adapt new procedures for safety improvements.

    Update chemical inventories by adding, transferring, and removing chemicals.

    Serve as a main contact for any issues related to the campus EH&S. Assists your supervisor or lab safety officer with miscellaneous tasks related to the Environmental Health and Safety program and compliance.

    Assist the supervisor in mitigating the issues raised after the inspection by the EH&S inspector.
  • 10%

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  • Job ID: 482157773
    Originally Posted on: 6/21/2025

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