Assistant Microbiologist

University of California; Richmond (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Assistant Microbiologist to join their dynamic team. This role involves testing and analyzing samples for vector-borne diseases, contributing to vital public health initiatives. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, where you will engage in hands-on laboratory work and contribute to groundbreaking research. With a focus on quality and safety, you will play a crucial role in supporting statewide surveillance and control efforts. If you are passionate about microbiology and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Continuing Education Allowance

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement Benefits

Flexible Work Schedule

WorkLife and Wellness Programs

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field required.
• Experience in laboratory environment and quality control is essential.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Test ticks and fleas for vector-borne disease pathogens.
• Analyze sentinel chicken samples for endemic arborviruses.
• Report test results and maintain laboratory supplies.

Skills

Laboratory Experience

Data Entry

Quality Control

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology

Tools

Microscopes

Pipettes

Autoclaves

Job description

This is a permanent position located in Richmond, CA at the California Department of Public Health’s laboratory campus. The position is funded by the California Department of Disease Control under the California Department of Public Health through an interagency agreement with University of California, Davis.

This role reports to the UCD Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The core activities of the COEH are to educate future leaders in occupational and environmental health, develop new knowledge, and bring the resources of the University of California to people affected by health hazards in their workplaces or communities. Under general direction of the the Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) Supervising Public Health Biologist, this position works closely with the Vector-Borne Disease Section Public Health Biologists and laboratory staff. The VBDS laboratory supports statewide surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases such as endemic and emerging mosquito-borne arboviruses, Lyme disease, and plague. The VBDS laboratory tests arthropods such as ticks and fleas, as well as animal blood for vector-borne and zoonotic disease agents. The Assistant Microbiologist will work closely with the VBDS microbiologist to conduct serological and molecular assays to identify multiple vector-borne disease pathogens.

Apply By Date May 15, 2025 at 11:59PM

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

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience with database, data entry and laboratory information management system.
• Demonstrated experience in quality control and improvement.
• Skills to conduct exacting and organized lab work.
• Skills to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze experimental data and draw supportable conclusions.
• Knowledge of lab safety and EH&S safety requirements.
• Knowledge of and experience with standard laboratory practices and sterile techniques, including microscopes, autoclaves, electronic balances, pipettes, and standard sterilization techniques.
• Ability to interpret scientific protocols and implement those protocols explicitly.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, dependability, and the ability to collaborate with others in a team.
• Knowledge of general laboratory operations, e.g., inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and maintaining a safe working environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a research or commercial laboratory.
• Specific knowledge and experience with serological and molecular assays, including PCR assays.
• Previous experience with arthropods.
• Ability to use taxonomic keys.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Test ticks and fleas for vector-borne disease pathogens.
• 30% - Test sentinel chicken samples for endemic arborviruses (e.g. West Nile virus), and rodent samples for plague.
• 20% - Communicate and report test results.
• 10% - Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment.

Department Overview

The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) is a large complex research, teaching, and clinical department that is part of the UC Davis School of Medicine and UC Davis Health. The mission of the Department is to improve the health of the population using approaches based in epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, and behavioral science through research, educational programs, clinical programs, public service, and policy development.

The California Department of Public Health's mission is to advance the health and well-being of California's diverse people and communities. http://www.cdph.ca.gov

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $ 2,544.80 - $4,092.80
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: 105
• UC Job Title: SRA 3
• UC Job Code: 009611
• Number of Positions: 1
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8 hours
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

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
• 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

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.

Must be able to appropriately fit and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N-95 or PAPR respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, gloves and protective safety equipment such as safety glasses and safety shoes.

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
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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