Administrative Assistant to the PI (BLANK AST 2)

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), provide high-level coordination and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of laboratory research activities. This position works closely with the PI to support scientific and operational priorities, including preparation of research documents, coordination of communications, and organization of workflows across multiple projects. 

This role requires a foundational understanding of biological or life sciences to assist with reviewing and editing scientific materials and supporting research-related activities. 

Summary of Responsibilities: 
• Coordinate day-to-day operations in support of the PI, including managing schedules, meetings, and communications with research staff and collaborators. 
• Review and edit scientific documents such as manuscripts, protocols, and reports, and provide concise summaries to support PI review. 
• Assist with preparation and organization of research materials, presentations, and documentation. 
• Support coordination of research projects by tracking action items, deadlines, and deliverables across team members. 
• Facilitate communication within the laboratory to ensure alignment on priorities and timelines. 
• Provide administrative oversight and guidance for general lab operations and processes.

Apply By Date

November 2, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Administrative experience supporting a laboratory, research, or academic environment.
• Experience managing complex calendars, coordinating meetings, and supporting executive-level scheduling needs.
• Experience reviewing, editing, or supporting preparation of scientific or technical documents (e.g., manuscripts, reports, protocols).
• Strong writing, proofreading, and document preparation skills for professional and technical materials.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and support projects with competing deadlines.
• Experience tracking project timelines, deliverables, or action items in research, academic, or professional setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience preparing and editing manuscripts for publication. 
• Experience supporting grant preparation, submission, or research project coordination. 
• Interpersonal and communication skills to communicate and interact in a helpful, effective, and informative manner with a wide variety of individuals.
• Familiarity with scientific publishing processes and/or reference management tools (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley).

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - PI Operational Support
• 30% - Technical Support
• 10% - Administrative Support
• 10% - Other

Department Overview

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology is one of six academic departments in the School of Veterinary Medicine; it provides a unique and critical linkage between the basic and clinical sciences. The mission of the department is the effective integration of the disciplines of immunology, microbiology (including bacteriology, parasitology and virology) and pathology (both anatomic and clinical) into the teaching, research, and service programs of the school and campus. Through this mission, the department promotes the understanding of causes and diagnosis of disease in animals and the mechanisms by which diseases develop at the organismal, cellular and molecular, and, increasingly, genetic levels. The correlated applied (translational) mission is to advance the use of morphologic, microbiologic, biochemical, genetic, and immunologic methods for diagnosis and prevention of disease.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.72/hr. - $37.85/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: BLANK AST 2
• UC Job Code: 004723
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: CX-Clerical/Admin
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours 
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours 
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours 
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 

Work Environment

• UC 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. 
• Work in open cubicle area where noise from others is present.

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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination 

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere 

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-CB