Staff Research Associate

UC Davis San Bernardino, CA Staff Research Associate Salary or Pay Range: $32.79 - $52.75 Hourly (budgeted department salary: $32.79 - $41.58 /Hourly, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience) Under the direction of the supervisor, this position is responsible for performing diagnostic assays and assisting in the general laboratory organization. The incumbent is responsible for processing necropsy samples and food pathogen testing samples. Independently perform diagnostic testing for clinical pathogens, identification of food pathogen agents in regulatory samples including Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter and STEC in dairy products, performance of Salmonella serotyping, isolation and identification of mycoplasma; isolation and identification of fungi, isolation and identification of Brucella sp., processing and identification of Clostridium botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay, and direct examination of feces for parasite and parasite eggs. Organizational tasks include managing isolate archive, data entry including test assignment and result entry, perform equipment preventive maintenance, ordering of supplies and media. Scheduling and maintaining of records for annual equipment calibrations by external vendors for the entire laboratory. Assist in evaluating new testing methods and literature searches of reference materials. 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 independently performing and interpreting results of diagnostic testing in classical bacteriology, mycology and parasitology in a veterinary or human diagnostic laboratory • Experience working in a highly regulated diagnostic environment that adheres to strict accreditation standards, including expertise following complex protocols, adhering to a strict quality assurance/quality control system, and producing neat, accurate, and complete records in the lab. • Experience independently performing and interpreting results of diagnostic testing in molecular bacteriology, mycology and parasitology in a veterinary or human diagnostic laboratory • Organizational skills to multitask, maintain inventory/quality control records, establish priorities to complete assigned tasks, work under pressure to meet deadlines, and adapt to sudden changes in workload • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact through oral/written communication and assist with training with a wide variety of individuals, to include co-workers, faculty and staff supervisors, clients of the CAHFS, and individuals from other University units and government/outside agencies. • Computer skills to use applications including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics programs, library search programs, graphing and statistical analysis programs, and Laboratory Information Management and Quality Assurance programs. Preferred Qualifications • BS degree in Microbiology or Bacteriology with experience independently performing and interpreting results of diagnostic classical and molecular bacteriology in a veterinary or human laboratory. • Experience with laboratory animal handling. • Knowledge and skills with advanced molecular analysis tools such as Galaxy Trakr • Skills to evaluate new technical procedures related to enhancing diagnostic accuracy; knowledge, judgment and ability to perform comparison and validation assessments for modifying laboratory techniques. Key Responsibilities • 70% - Diagnostic Testing • 20% - Development • 10% - Laboratory Management/Inventory Control 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 To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at Job ID 88642