Staff Research Associate 3

THIS IS A CAREER POSITION located in Richmond, CA and IS ON-SITE at the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) laboratory campus.

The position is funded by Public Health Emergency Preparedness funds from the California Department of Public Health through an inter agency agreement with University of California, Davis (UCD). The position reports to the UCD Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The core activities of the COEH are to educate future leaders in occupational and environmental health, develop new knowledge, and bring the resources of the University of California to people affected by health hazards in their workplaces or communities. Under general direction of the CDPH High Risk Pathogens Section Chief, this position is a laboratory specialist to support basic laboratory functions and provides technical support and expertise in the rapid and accurate identification of microbial pathogens involved in emergency preparedness and bio-terrorism at the biochemical and molecular levels. The individual uses complicated laboratory equipment to identify pathogens and provides technical information to laboratory staff and other local partners when requested.

Apply By Date April 17, 2025 at 11:59PM; Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time.

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

• Master's or PhD degree in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology, food microbiology, or infectious diseases; or an equivalent combination of a Bachelor’s Degree with 3-5 years clinical laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated experience with database and laboratory information management system.
• Proficient experience in common laboratory skills, e.g., pipetting, reagent preparation, and sterile technique.
• Experience with the analysis of large data sets.
• Experience with biomedical and clinical laboratories and laboratory techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, protein expression and purification, and enzyme assays.
• Skills to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze experimental data and draw supportable conclusions.
• Knowledge of lab safety and EH&S safety requirements.
• Knowledge with desktop computers and general office applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge in quality control and improvement.
• Strong organization skills
• Project management skills, including the ability to track and manage inventory

Preferred Qualifications

• California Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Certification preferred.
• Experience presenting scientific and/or clinical findings at conferences or in written reports.
• Skills to conduct exacting and organized lab work.
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with methods of bacterial culture.
• Knowledge to adapt, design and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Knowledge of general laboratory operations, e.g., ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, maintaining a safe working environment, etc., and ability to supervise assistants in these duties.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% - Coordination of Laboratory Functions
• 25% - Quality Assurance
• 20% - Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Pathogens
• 20% - Molecular Characterization of Pathogens
• 10% - Other

Department Overview

The California Department of Public Health's mission is to advance the health and well-being of California's diverse people and communities. http://www.cdph.ca.gov.

The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) is a large complex research, teaching, and clinical department that is part of the UC Davis School of Medicine and UC Davis Health. The mission of the Department is to improve the health of the population using approaches based in epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, and behavioral science through research, educational programs, clinical programs, public service, and policy development.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $2,545.49 - $4,093.19
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: 105
• UC Job Title: SRA 3
• UC Job Code: 009611
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: No Physical Access (NOPHYSACC)
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 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
• 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8 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 - Continuous 6 to 8 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Never 0 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8 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 position is located at the CDPH laboratory in Richmond Must be able to appropriately fit and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N-95 or PAPR respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, gloves and protective safety equipment such as safety glasses and safety shoes. A security risk assessment to meet federal select agent program requirements and ability to pass federal security risk assessment.

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
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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.

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

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks