Field Researcher (FIELD RESEARCHER 2 RP)

This position in the Clinical Health, Emotion, and Neuroscience (CHEN) Lab will provide opportunities to be involved in all aspects of the research project(s) to examine dyadic social and emotional processes between clinical populations and their family members (e.g., spousal caregivers) using psychophysiology, behavioral coding, in-home wearable/mountable technology, and questionnaires. The position will provide experience in participant recruitment, documentation creation and maintenance (e.g., Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation, grant preparations), data collection, management, and analysis, manuscript preparation, and, if applicable, preparing for graduate training in either basic science, clinical/health science, or both.

Apply By Date: 05/22/2026 by 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 or Equivalent: Social Sciences, Scientific, Computational Science, or Related Field
• 1 year of experience related to healthcare, laboratory, and/or clinical research.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers is required. Professionalism and courtesy are required in all interactions with lab members, department staff, and supervisors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree: Social Sciences, Scientific, Computational Science, or Related Field
• 2+ years of experience in (1) a position related to healthcare, laboratory, and/or clinical research, (2) managing research teams/labs and/or coordinating research projects, (3) programming (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python), and/or (4) analyzing large datasets.
• Familiarity with the laboratory's computer programs (e.g., SPSS, REDCap, Qualtrics, Microsoft Office) for data entry, data sharing, questionnaire creation, and study packet design. Familiarity with writing computer codes for designing tasks, data management, and/or data analyses. Ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot lab equipment. Organize training and inter-departmental meetings to facilitate approval and installation of equipment/devices for data collection. Familiarity preparing and submitting documents, such as Institutional Review Board protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Administrative
• 50% - Research
• 10% - Leader Tasks
• 10% - Miscellaneous Tasks

Department Overview

The CHEN Lab in the Department of Human Ecology performs research on emotional health, dyadic interactions, and psychophysiology.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position is located within the CHEN Lab in the Department of Human Ecology. This position is important for facilitating and conducting the government-funded research (e.g., recruiting participants, conducting study visits with participants, documenting visits/paying participants, etc.), which is also important for the advancement of the scientific field and the department/university.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.16/hr. - $48.47/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: FIELD RESEARCHER 2 RP
• UC Job Code: 005245
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• 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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 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) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 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.

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