Under supervision, perform molecular-based diagnostic testing, assay development and evaluation using PCR and related technologies, including the extraction of RNA and DNA from clinical veterinary specimens and use of molecular techniques for detection, identification, typing, and phylogenetic analysis of veterinary pathogens. The work is performed in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory rooms.

 

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license, certification and/or educational degree if required of the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience performing molecular techniques in a high throughput diagnostic laboratory including DNA and RNA extraction and purification, standard and real time PCR, and nucleic acid sequence analysis. Knowledge and skills to work with nucleic acid databases, including but not limited to GenBank, EMBL, DDBJ, and related software for sequence analysis and manipulation, primer and probe design, and molecular epidemiology.

• Knowledge and experience of quality control and quality assurance procedures in a diagnostic laboratory.

• Skills to follow quality management and laboratory safety policies and procedures, including safe working practices for handling diagnostic samples (e.g., blood, tissues, swabs), waste solvents, and bio-hazardous materials.

• Skills to follow verbal and written protocols, to troubleshoot assay failures, and to design investigations for solving problems arising in complex laboratory protocols procedures.

• Computer and writing skills to quickly and accurately log in specimens and manage specimen inventories, enter test results, prepare labels, maintain neat accurate and complete laboratory records, prepare clear concise reports of laboratory investigations, generate reports, write SOPs, and perform data searches.

• Knowledge of chemistry, stoichiometry and mathematics to accurately prepare reagents and buffers, perform accurate dilutions and calculate test results.

 

• Customer service skills, with the experience to interact harmoniously with individuals at all levels of the University and with external clients.

• Skills to perform cost-effective ordering and/or use of laboratory and office supplies and equipment.

• Skills to obtain, comprehend, and give adequate consideration to others’ priorities, opinions and concerns.

• Skills to protect or communicate complex and sensitive information, negotiate and resolve conflicts and promote teamwork.

 

• 75% - DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

• 15% - ASSAY DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION

• 10% - LABORATORY MANAGEMENT

 

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s)

 

Job ID# 73016

 

The University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer