DNA Isolation Specialist (LAB AST 2)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 3,733,000 - 4,498,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking an entry-level Lab Assistant in the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory on Davis campus. You will enter client data, prepare samples for parentage, coat color and disease testing, and perform DNA isolation from hair, buccal swabs, tissue, semen, and blood.

Responsibilities include accurate template distribution, digital documentation, and archiving DNA/plasma/serum samples. On-site, 40% time, with potential move to Aggie Square in Sacramento in March 2027.

Qualifications

• Ability to organize, rearrange and transfer many small items while keeping order.
• Meticulous, detail oriented with focus in a busy lab.
• Able to learn detailed procedures quickly and follow protocols.

Responsibilities

• 80% — Sample preparation for testing.
• 15% — Other laboratory tasks as assigned.
• 5% — Scanning, proofing and filing documents.

Skills

Organizational skills

Meticulous attention to detail

Ability to learn procedures quickly

Ability to follow complex instructions

Equipment handling and terminal skills

Basic lab tools and techniques

Proofreading for accuracy

Education

No minimum education required

No minimum work experience required

Tools

DNA extraction robots

Centrifuge

Micropipettes

Scales

Job description

Job Details

• Job ID: 89265
• Location: Davis
• Full/Part Time: Part Time

Job Summary

Under general supervision, as a member of the sample receiving/prep group, enter client data and prepare samples for parentage verification, coat color and disease diagnostic testing. Entry level position responsible for all aspects of sample documentation, DNA isolation, and curation. Major functions are: 1) DNA extraction from multiple sources including but not limited to: hair roots, buccal swabs, tissue, semen, and blood, 2) distribution of samples to appropriate testing pipelines via accurate distribution of extracted templates coupled with appropriate digital documentation, and 3) enter/confirm client information in the VGL sample database, retrieve stored DNA/hair samples, and archive frozen DNA, plasma and serum samples in storage freezers. Perform reagent preparation and validation, assisting with cleaning, and maintenance of tools and equipment including DNA extraction robots.

Apply By Date

October 16th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

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

• No minimum education required
• No Minimum Work Experience required.
• Ability to accurately organize, rearrange, and transfer many small items such as samples while maintaining order
• Skill to be meticulous and detail oriented and to maintain focus on the work at hand in a busy work environment.
• Ability to learn detailed, complicated procedures quickly and to follow detailed instructions or protocols with minimal supervision.
• Skills to manipulate equipment and computer terminals.
• Skill with basic lab tools and techniques (centrifuge, micropipettes, scales).
• Skill to proofread work for accuracy and completeness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a service-oriented unit.
• Knowledge/skill of DNA extractions techniques from multiple sources including hair, buccal swabs, tissues, and plasma/serum.
• Skill to effectively prioritize tasks on a daily basis while adjusting to fluctuating sample numbers and the needs of other staff members.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Sample Preparation for Testing
• 15% - Other Laboratory Tasks as Assigned
• 5% - Scanning, Proofing & Filing of Documents

Department Overview

As a recognized world leader in animal genetic testing, the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory provides essential genetic testing services for a variety of domestic and wild animal species.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position serves as the first step in our service pipeline, performing DNA isolation that is required before any downstream laboratory work can occur. No other testing or analysis can be completed without this function. This position is currently on the Davis campus but will be moving to Aggie Square in Sacramento - March 2027

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $27.10/hr. - $32.65/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009603
• Number of Positions: 1 of 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
• Percentage of Time: 40%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday (8:00am-5:00pm)
• Location: VM Genetics Lab (SVMGENLA)
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: No
• 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 - 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.
Must be able to tolerate the sight of blood and occasional foul odors. Work in a secured animal research area. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Ability to work in a busy lab with heavy traffic and little privacy. These positions' working hours are M-F 8:00am-5:00pm However, adaptability to a fluctuating workload is required: must be able to work flexible hours including the possibility of working weekends; vacations must be scheduled at times when caseload is light.

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