Sample Extraction Technician (SRA 1)

Under direction of the supervisor, responsible for the performance of organic analysis for the determination of xenobiotic residues in biological matrices and other specimens. Participate in the update and development of analytical procedures, quality control procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Provide support in other sections of the laboratory as directed by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• 60% – Analytical Procedure & Testing: Perform organic analysis to determine xenobiotic residues in biological matrices and other specimens.
• 20% – Laboratory Support: Assist in various laboratory sections as directed by the supervisor.
• 20% – Quality Control / Laboratory Management / Method Development & Project Assistance: Update and develop analytical procedures, quality control procedures, and SOPs.

Requirements

• Experience in sample preparation techniques such as solid phase and liquid-liquid extraction, sample spiking, and matrix matching.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry and skills to critically understand, interpret, and perform analytical procedures and interpret results in accordance with established SOPs.
• Skills to ensure accurate chain of custody documentation and legal defensibility of results with strong attention to detail.
• Skills in the operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of manual, automated, and computer-controlled laboratory equipment, including solid-phase extraction and liquid handling robotics.
• Skills to prepare analytical reagents, solutions, controls, and standards and perform related mathematical calculations.
• Computer skills sufficient to maintain laboratory databases, perform data entry, generate reports, and use common software applications.
• Interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to effectively interact with laboratory personnel, clients, and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • No minimum education required.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's in biochemistry, chemistry, or related disciplines or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Organizational skills to coordinate workload priorities, specimen processing, and equipment usage schedules.
  • Knowledge of laboratory robotics and automated liquid handling systems.
  • Knowledge to apply good laboratory practices, follow safety procedures, and other policies outlined by CAHFS, and train laboratory staff and students in laboratory procedures, analytical techniques, and safe work practices.

About the Department

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 animals and humans. In meeting this need, CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories 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.

Pay

$30.12 - $35.93/hour (department budgeted salary: $30.12 - $32.83/hourly, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience).

Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm. Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period. This position is 100% on-site and not eligible for remote work.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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 (PSLF) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles.
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans.

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.
• Walking: Occasional, up to 3 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.
• 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.
• Reaching overhead: Occasional, up to 3 hours.
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion: Occasional, up to 3 hours.

Environmental Demands

• Exposure to chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.
• Loud noise levels: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration: Continuous, 6 to 8+ hours.
• Complex problem solving/reasoning: Occasional, up to 3 hours.
• Ability to organize & prioritize: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.
• Communication skills: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.
• Numerical skills: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.
• Constant interaction: Occasional, up to 3 hours.
• Customer/Patient Contact: Occasional, up to 3 hours.
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks: Frequent, 3 to 6 hours.

This position is subject to Vaccination Program (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and might be 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 in an area where there is constant noise from equipment operation. Restricted/limited vacation during peak workload periods (e.g., outbreaks, fiscal close, audit periods). Share weekend/holiday/mandatory coverage as needed. All CAHFS employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. Must wear laboratory-required/supplied PPE and participate in the Health Surveillance Program.

This position is subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies, as well as medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and handle/dispose of infectious materials. May work with or be in areas where biohazardous and chemical materials and infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include, but are not limited to, salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, hot acids, bases, ethers, and other chemicals.