LAB AST 3 (Laboratory Assistant)

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 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, 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.

Budgeted Salary: Initial placement will be between $24.77 - $26.93/Hour, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience.

Position Information

Apply by Date

6/4/2024

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

• 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

• Ability to handle animals.

• Stoop, bend, and lift specimens, supplies and equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Ability to perform repetitive motions such as pipetting, typing.

• Stand/Sit/work at a computer/workstation for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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.

• Ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures.

• Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday; 8:00am

• 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period). Due to the nature of the essential responsibilities, this position is not eligible for remote work.

• 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.)

• Valid CA Driver's License to travel (occasionally) to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc.

• All CAHFS employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

• 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.

• Tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and to 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.

• 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 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.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• 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.

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Ability to learn UC purchasing policies, procedures, and forms.

• Skill to learn computer programs designed for sample tracking, worksheet production, and workload reporting.

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.