Laboratory Assistant (LAB AST 2)

This position is critical to maintaining high quality research in a laboratory that provides year-round service to government agencies and private environment firms. Responsible for conducting toxicity test using fish, algae and/or micro invertebrates at the UCD campus or at other locations in California assisting the Aquatic Health Program Laboratory; prepare field supplies for sampling events; collect samples of effluents; ambient samples and organisms; clean glassware and maintain laboratory; data entry and checking. Picking up fish samples from various state and federal agencies.

Apply By Date

12/04/2024 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• No education requirements.
• Applicable lower division coursework in Environmental Toxicology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Applicable lower division coursework in environmental toxicology, chemistry, and biology.
• Knowledge of fish and invertebrate life stage and culturing, including fathead minnow, rainbow trout, Chironomus dilutus, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Hyalella azteca.
• Skills to work with and calibrate common laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, good laboratory practices.
• Skills to safely handle hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational background in Biological Sciences or equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Standard laboratory procedures applicable to USEPA freshwater toxicity testing.
• Skills to learn and apply USEPA Quality Assurance protocols and freshwater toxicity testing standards.
• Working knowledge of basic statistical procedures including linear regression analysis, non-parametric statistics, and ability to use statistical software such as R, JMP, and ToxCalc.
• Data tabulation and management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Skills to prioritize workload and effectively meet workload demands.
• Ability to remain current with the related research literature and methods.
• Skills to create and manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop, ArcView, Power Point, electronic topographical programs, ImageJ.
• Public speaking and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Toxicity Testing
• 40% - Data Management and Quality Assurance
• 10% - Organizing and Cleaning
  
  

Department Overview

This position is a member of the Aquatic Toxicology Lab team consisting of students, staff, researchers, and an academic director. Will participate in achievement of wide-range lab goals which include high quality sampling, testing, and monitoring of aquatic organisms and their environment with attention to detail in order to ensure integrity of data results, with contributions to published manuscripts.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $22.11 - $26.05 /hourly
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: 194
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift Hours: Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, Ca
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: 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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

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

• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Position may, at times, require employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Restricted vacation during peak periods. Work occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime, usually on short notice to meet operational needs. Work in areas where hazardous chemicals are present. Must be able and willing to work in an environment where animals are used in research.
• 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://ucdasvispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

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