LAB AST 3 (Diagnostic Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant) Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 70132)

Description

Job Summary

Want to be part of an early warning system that helps to protect the health of California's livestock and poultry? We are looking for a Diagnostic Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant to work alongside our world leading faculty and technicians, helping to safeguard the public health with rapid and reliable diagnoses for animal diseases including those affecting humans.

As part of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System within the top-ranked UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, our career employees are provided the following benefits:

PERSONAL LEAVE

· Vacation – Eligible to earn up to (3) three weeks per year

· Sick Leave – Eligible to earn up to 8 hours per month (no maximum)

· Holiday Pay – 14 paid holidays per year (Full-Time Position)

COMPENSATION

· Competitive pay plus retirement

INSURANCE

· High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs.

· UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance for you and your family.

· Supplemental insurance offered including: Additional Life, Disability, Short/Long Term Disability and Legal Coverage.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, assist in the daily functions of a high throughput diagnostic laboratory (BSL-2 and BSL-3 level) including assisting technicians with sample receiving and sample management, processing samples, buffer & reagent preparation, gel-electrophoresis, basic sequence evaluation, and maintaining documentation records in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Position Information

Apply by Date                      

6/25/2024

Salary Range                        

$24.77/hr. - $29.49/hr. (Department budgeted range: $24.77/hr. - $26.93/hr. Commensurate with experience.

Appointment Type                   

Career

Number of Positions

1

Percentage of Time                 

100%

Shift Hours                               

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Location                                   

Davis, CA

Union Representation              

Yes - TX

Benefits Eligible                       

Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mental Demands: Confidentiality - Constantly, Constant Interruptions - Frequently
• Physical Demands: Attendance - Constantly, Squatting, Stooping, Bending - Regularly
• Lifting Requirements: Up to 25 Pounds (Light) - Occasionally
• Visual Acuity Requirements: Color Visual Acuity - constantly
• Noise Conditions: Ability to Adjust Focus - Frequently
• Physical Demands (Elements Exposed to): Blood - Occasionally, Chemicals - Occasionally, Hazards - Occasionally, Toxins - Occasionally
• Equipment Used to Perform the Duties: Computer and Peripheral Equipment - Constantly
• Be able to perform repetitive motions; pipetting. Must wear laboratory required/supplied PPE and participate in Health Surveillance Program.
• This position is subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies, as well as medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Must tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and handle/dispose of infectious materials.
• May, at times, work with or be in areas where biohazardous and chemical materials and infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards of the position are, but are not limited to salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, hot acids, bases, ethers and other chemicals.
• Follow written and oral instructions, procedures, protocols.
• Adhere to laboratory safety measures and procedures and follow safe working practices.
• Maintain neat and accurate laboratory records and logbooks.
• Effectively interact with a wide variety of individuals to include co-workers, clients of the CAHFS, and individuals from other University units, government, and outside agencies, and to clearly and accurately communicate laboratory results.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information, testing results, and personnel-related matters.
• Upon completion of a background check and appropriate training, must participate in the select agent program.
• Become familiar with all aspects of the quality system documentation and implement and comply with them in daily work. This includes the Quality Manual, system-wide documents and local policies and procedures.
• Identify departures from the quality system, and initiate Quality Problem Investigations and Quality Suggestions and Improvements.
• Become familiar with all aspects of the Laboratory Information System and comply with suggestions for improvement and evaluation requests from the IT section.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures. In addition, the position required to perform works in the BSL2/BSL3 Facilities after completed the Select Agent background clearance procedures and required training.
• This position is not eligible for remote work, due to the nature of the essential responsibilities.
• Due to potential work with poultry diseases, ownership and handling of birds is not allowed.
• Electronic device usage, such as cell phone, iPod, etc., will be restricted inside the lab.
• This position is subject to UCD's vaccination program (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, is/might subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies) and is subject to Medical/Health Surveillance Program/Procedures/Review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period).
• Work flexible schedule/overtime 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.).
• Occasional travel to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc.
• THIS IS NOT AN H1B/J1 OPPORTUNITY. Candidate must be legally permitted to work in the United States and not subject to revocation.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience maintaining, tracking, calibrating lab equipment and ordering/preparing lab supplies, reagents, buffers, and media as required in accredited diagnostic laboratories.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Skills and demonstrated experience to store, record and track samples and data sheets in an efficient, timely and accurate manner.
• Skills to work with minute quantities of DNA, RNA, and reagents.
• Skills to avoid/prevent cross-contamination of extracted RNA or DNA from diagnostic specimens.
• Knowledge and understanding of virology, molecular biology, genetics, and immunology sufficient to read, understand, and follow published or documented techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of and skills to perform calculations for reagent dilutions and diagnostic biotechnology methods including electrophoresis, PCR, DNA and RNA extraction and purification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:    

• Experience with a quality assurance program.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Organizational skills to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Skills to decontaminate working areas and dispose of biohazardous materials.
• Skills to organize and prioritize individual workload under guidance of supervisor.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.  

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