Job Description
Under general supervision, provide diagnostic and laboratory technical support to the Mammalian Virology section and back up support for the Avian and Fish Virology sections. Perform testing procedures for virus isolation and identification, maintaining cell lines and observing for cytopathic effects/contamination, archive and bank samples and molecular tests. Responsible for adherence to the CAHFS Quality Program requirements, solving problems related to virology testing methods, laboratory maintenance, and contributing to preparation of materials for use in publications and presentations.
Apply By Date October 10, 2025 at 11:59pm Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position - No Minimum Education required.
- Experience with clinical diagnostic virology including virus isolation and identification techniques such as, FA, cell culture maintenance, recognition of CPE, and nucleic acid extraction and amplification techniques.
- Experience in a diagnostic laboratory, veterinary diagnostic lab preferred; including preparation and use of protocols and instructions; use of biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, ultracentrifuges, centrifuges, auto and manual pipettes, incubators, microscopes, balances, computers, spectrophotometer, pH meters, autoclaves, cryostat, filtration apparatus, and thermocyclers, with ability to operate and maintain (or schedule maintenance for) laboratory and associated computer equipment; proper sanitary cleaning procedures; data entry and retrieval of test data.
- Experience with quality assurance, quality control, troubleshooting and solving problems related to laboratory testing procedures in virology including completing and documenting planned deviations, quality problem investigations, and root cause analyses.
- Experience working with high throughput testing or high workload.
- Experience in preparing and maintaining reagents and buffers, including knowledge in mathematics and chemistry to perform related calculations and dilutions, with associated experience in using and maintaining laboratory balances, scales, pH meters, autoclaves, and associated equipment for the preparation of buffers and media.
- Experience to critically evaluate new techniques, compare to existing technologies, modify and adapt for novel diagnostic applications.
- Writing skills to provide clear, concise reports of findings, documentation of experiments, and assistance in writing SOPs and documentation of development efforts and outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in maintaining a variety of mammalian and/or fish cell lines and preparing animal tissues and fluids for virus isolation.
- Experience performing cost-effective ordering and/or use of laboratory and/or office supplies and equipment for budgetary concerns.
- Experience adhering to the requirements of a Quality Program in order to meet accreditation standards.
- Experience with training student support and co-workers in associated virology procedures and techniques.
- Knowledge of fish pathogens and familiarity with growing and isolating fish viruses in cell culture.
Key Responsibilities - 80% - Diagnostic Testing
- 10% - Laboratory Management
- 10% - 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.
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the apply by date. POSITION INFORMATION - Salary or Pay Range: $28.88/hr. - $46.46/hr. - This position is subject to a departmental budgeted salary range of: $28.88/hr. - $32.51/hr.; commensurate with
educational background and relevant working experience. - Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
- Salary Grade: STEPS
- UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
- UC Job Code: 009617
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Location: Davis, 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 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:
• 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 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.
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 work place are not allowed. Due to the potential work with poultry diseases, electronic devices, such as cell phone, iPod, etc., usage will be restricted inside the lab. 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 weekend and holiday rotation. Restricted/Limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.). Occasional travel to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc. 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. Ability to perform high consequence assays within an isolated Biosafety Level 3 laboratory.
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.
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.
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Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work, Monday to Friday,