Laboratory Assistant (SRA 1)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Lab Manager to join a population genomics project focusing on Anopheles vectors. Duties include lab management, ordering supplies, safety training, supervising students, and coordinating field and lab data collection.

The role requires hands-on molecular work (DNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing) and potential travel to field sites in west Africa for training and sampling activities. On-site at UC Davis with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a molecular biology or genetics research laboratory.
• Ability to perform routine molecular techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, genotyping, or sequencing.
• Experience with laboratory operations including ordering supplies, inventory management, safety compliance, and equipment maintenance.
• Willingness to travel to field sites in west Africa for field training and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory management and supervision of student employees.
• Coordinate sample and data collection, organize samples, and manage sample storage.
• Perform molecular laboratory work including DNA quantification and quality control.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Laboratory management

Data management

Team collaboration

Education

No minimum education required

Tools

DNA extraction

qPCR

Sanger sequencing

NGS library prep

Job description

Job Summary

Work as part of a research team under the direction of the PI studying the population genomics of mosquito vectors, including Anopheles coluzzii, a principal vector of human malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Duties include laboratory management and administrative responsibilities such as safety training, ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, and supervising student employees. Further, the successful candidate will serve as a bridge between field and laboratory teams, coordinating sample and data collection efforts, receiving and organizing samples, uploading data into databases, and managing sample storage. Tasks will also include molecular laboratory work, including DNA extraction (manual and automated), qPCR, MassARRAY assays, Sanger amplicon sequencing, NGS library preparation, DNA quantification (Qubit), and sample/library quality control (TapeStation). The lab manager must be available to travel to field sites in west Africa for up to 6 weeks at a time to train field team members in data collection and to assist with Anopheles mosquito sampling, processing, and extraction, as well as laboratory setup.

Qualifications

• No minimum education required
• Experience working in a molecular biology or genetics research laboratory, preferably in a university setting.
• Experience performing routine molecular techniques including at least four of the following: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, genotyping, or sequencing.
• Experience with laboratory operations including ordering supplies, inventory management, safety compliance, and equipment maintenance and experience working with biological samples and maintaining organized records or databases.
• Availability and skills to participate as part of a team in physically demanding fieldwork in equatorial Africa (islands in the Gulf of Guinea, west Africa).
• Demonstrated ability to follow established protocols, maintain accurate, detailed records, and to develop clear documentation/SOPs for newly developed laboratory or database practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with others in a collegial environment and coordinate efforts of field and lab teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in entomology, vector biology, or related sciences.
• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences with coursework in genetics, mathematics, and statistics.
• Experience conducting fieldwork or working in international research settings, particularly in vector biology or entomology.
• Experience working with SQL or other database management systems for data entry, curation, and retrieval.
• Experience supervising or training students or junior staff in a laboratory setting.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Laboratory Management
• 45% - Applied Research
• 10% - Training

Department Overview

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology is one of six academic departments in the School of Veterinary Medicine. It provides a unique and critical linkage between the basic and clinical sciences. The mission of the department is the effective integration of the disciplines of immunology, microbiology (including bacteriology, parasitology and virology) and pathology (both anatomic and clinical) into the teaching, research, and service programs of the school and campus. Through this mission, the department promotes the understanding of causes and diagnosis of disease in animals and the mechanisms by which diseases develop at the organismal, cellular and molecular, and, increasingly, genetic levels. The correlated applied (translational) mission is to advance the use of morphologic, microbiologic, biochemical, genetic, and immunologic methods for diagnosis and prevention of disease.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $30.12 - $35.93
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 107
• UC Job Title: SRA 1
• UC Job Code: 009613
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri (8am-5pm)
• Location: Davis, Ca
• Union Representation: RX-Research 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 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.

• Work at, and travel to, field sites in tropical Africa.
• Work flexible schedule including occasional holidays and weekends.
• Work in areas where hazardous materials and potential infectious disease agents (malaria parasite from field collected mosquitoes) are present.
• Work in open cubicle area where noise from others is present.

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 is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials

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 #CA-CB