Laboratory Assistant

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis Laboratory Assistant position handling clinical specimens, processing and data entry in a busy lab setting. Provides glass washing, media prep, shipping support, and general customer service across the diagnostic workflow.

The role requires accurate handling of specimens, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication with veterinarians and department staff. On-site work with UC Davis team and facilities.

Qualifications

• No minimum education required.
• Experience working in flexible conditions with high volume and accuracy.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures and veterinary terminology.
• Skills to learn sample handling for microbiologic, immunologic, histologic and chemistry tests.
• Skills to work with potentially infectious material.
• Computer skills for data entry.

Responsibilities

• Specimen and Data Management
• Glass Washing / Media Preparation and Shipping Areas
• Telephone Coverage and Results Reporting

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Oral and written communication

Flexible/willing to adapt

High-volume workflow

Data entry

Education

No minimum education required

Tools

Analytical balances

Volumetric glassware

pH meters

Centrifuges

Automated dispensing equipment

Sterilizing ovens

Glass washers and dryers

Autoclaves

Job description

UC Davis Laboratory Assistant

Salary or Pay Range: $28.96/hr. - $31.50/hr.

Under general supervision, receives clinical specimens from clients and performs specimen processing/receiving for testing by reconciling, coordinating, managing and executing the receipt of samples, aid the various lab sections by providing glass washing and sterilization services, prepares clinical specimens and media for routine shipments, biohazardous disposal and chem-waste management, providing telephone customer service, assistance in animal care and restraint, as well as inventory and proper storage of biological media/reagents.

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

• No minimum education required
• Experience working in flexible conditions and to handle a high volume of work in a short period of time, while providing attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to effectively interact with a wide variety of clients, veterinarians, co-workers in various discipline within the laboratory, and individuals from other University units, government/outside agencies both in person and on the phone.
• Working knowledge of diagnostic procedures and tests used in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, as well as veterinary & medical terminology.
• Skills to learn appropriate samples for a variety of microbiologic, immunologic, histologic and clinical chemistry tests and adverse sample conditions that may affect testing.
• Skills to use analytical balances, volumetric glassware, PH meters, centrifuges, automated dispensing equipment, sterilizing ovens, glass washers and dryers, and autoclaves.
• Skills to work with blood, dead animals, tissues, and to handle potentially infectious material.
• Computer skills to quickly/accurately perform data entry into computer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to learn UC purchasing policies, procedures and forms.
• Skill to learn computer programs designed for sample tracking, worksheet production, and workload reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Specimen and Data Management
• 35% - Glass Washing / Media Preparation and Shipping Areas
• 20% - Telephone Coverage and Results Reporting

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