Molecular Biologist (SRA 2 NEX)

Under general supervision, perform the daily functions of a high throughput diagnostic laboratory, including identification and characterization of viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal pathogens using real-time PCR, standard PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, processing samples for extraction of DNA and RNA, and maintaining documentation records in accordance with standard operating procedures. Provide specimen processing back up for classical bacteriological testing. Responsible for adherence to the CAHFS Quality program requirements, solving problems related to molecular diagnostic testing methods, laboratory and equipment maintenance, organizing and prioritizing workload to meet the needs of clinical testing requirements and maintaining complete records of test data and results. Perform literature searches and utilize various reference materials to solve procedural and identification problems. This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous work habits are essential.

Apply By Date

09/07/2026 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

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 a highly regulated diagnostic environment which adheres to ISO, AAVLD, or other laboratory accreditation standards, including expertise following complex protocols, producing neat, accurate, complete records, within a strict quality assurance and control environment for assuring test accuracy in a diagnostic lab.
• Skills and experience to perform highly repetitive operations including manual pipetting, high-throughput DNA and RNA extraction, conventional and real-time PCR, and results reporting with close attention to detail.
• Skills to operate a biosafety cabinet, fume hood, auto and manual pipettes, spectrophotometer, digital imager, real-time PCR machines, centrifuges, thermocyclers, and other laboratory equipment, including any accompanying software.
• Skills to multi-task, work under multiple deadlines, and adapt to sudden changes in workload.
• Knowledge to design PCR primers, maintain stocks, optimize concentrations, and perform all related calculations.
• Strong writing, verbal communication and computer skills to produce clear and concise test results and explanations to others, including co-workers, submitting vets, and clients.
• Use of various computer applications including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics programs, library search programs, graphing and statistical analysis programs, and Laboratory Information Management programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S degree in molecular biology or a related scientific discipline with experience in molecular diagnostic testing for infectious agents.
• Experience with magnetic bead-based extraction procedures.
• Experience/background in Animal Science, and/or livestock/poultry production.
• Experience with appropriate handling of clinical (animal tissues and fluids) and environmental samples for diagnostic bacteriology, fungal, and/or parasitology examinations.
• Skills to use DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis programs NCBI, and Geneious Prime.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Clinical Diagnostics
• 20% - Laboratory Management
• 15% - Quality Program & Other Duties
• 5% - Development

Department Overview

CAHFS provides California's livestock and poultry industries, and veterinary practitioners who serve them, with a full range of diagnostic laboratory services for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animal and humans. In meeting this need, the CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories currently located in Davis, Turlock, Tulare and San Bernardino. Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and through revenue generated from user fees. An additional program, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, is funded through a contract with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and horse wagering monies and provides full-service drug testing and a pharmacology research and development program.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $ 32.79 - $52.75 (department budgeted salary: $32.79 - $41.58 /hourly, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience)
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• UC Job Code: 009617
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100 %
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Location:Turlock , 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.

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. Upon completion of a background check and appropriate training, must participate in the select agent program. Ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures. Due to the nature of the essential responsibilities, this position is not eligible for remote work. Due to the potential work with poultry diseases, ownership and handling of birds outside of workplace are not allowed. This position is subject to UCD's vaccination program (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, is/might subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies), and Medical/Health Surveillance Program/Procedures/Review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period). Work flexible schedule/overtime as needed to complete projects and meet deadlines. Mandatory holiday rotation.

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:

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: #CA-CB

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