Staff Research Associate (SRA 2 NEX)

Job Summary Under the direction of the supervisor, this position is responsible for performing diagnostic assays and assisting in the general laboratory organization. The incumbent is responsible for processing necropsy samples and food pathogen testing samples. Independently perform diagnostic testing for clinical pathogens, identification of food pathogen agents in regulatory samples including Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter and STEC in dairy products, performance of Salmonella serotyping, isolation and identification of mycoplasma; isolation and identification of fungi, isolation and identification of Brucella sp., processing and identification of Clostridium botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay, and direct examination of feces for parasite and parasite eggs. Organizational tasks include managing isolate archive, data entry including test assignment and result entry, perform equipment preventive maintenance, ordering of supplies and media. Scheduling and maintaining of records for annual equipment calibrations by external vendors for the entire laboratory. Assist in evaluating new testing methods and literature searches of reference materials. Apply By Date 09/16/2026 by 11:59 pm Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position No minimum education required.Experience independently performing and interpreting results of diagnostic testing in classical bacteriology, mycology and parasitology in a veterinary or human diagnostic laboratoryExperience working in a highly regulated diagnostic environment that adheres to strict accreditation standards, including expertise following complex protocols, adhering to a strict quality assurance/quality control system, and producing neat, accurate, and complete records in the lab.Experience independently performing and interpreting results of diagnostic testing in molecular bacteriology, mycology and parasitology in a veterinary or human diagnostic laboratoryOrganizational skills to multitask, maintain inventory/quality control records, establish priorities to complete assigned tasks, work under pressure to meet deadlines, and adapt to sudden changes in workloadDemonstrated excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact through oral/written communication and assist with training with a wide variety of individuals, to include co-workers, faculty and staff supervisors, clients of the CAHFS, and individuals from other University units and government/outside agencies.Computer skills to use applications including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics programs, library search programs, graphing and statistical analysis programs, and Laboratory Information Management and Quality Assurance programs. Preferred Qualifications BS degree in Microbiology or Bacteriology with experience independently performing and interpreting results of diagnostic classical and molecular bacteriology in a veterinary or human laboratory. Experience with laboratory animal handling. Knowledge and skills with advanced molecular analysis tools such as Galaxy TrakrSkills to evaluate new technical procedures related to enhancing diagnostic accuracy; knowledge, judgment and ability to perform comparison and validation assessments for modifying laboratory techniques. Key Responsibilities 70% - Diagnostic Testing20% - Development10% - Laboratory Management/Inventory Control 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. POSITION INFORMATION Salary or Pay Range: $32.79 - $52.75 (budgeted department salary: $32.79 - $41.58 /Hourly, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience)Salary Frequency: Hourly Salary Grade: 108UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEXUC Job Code: 009617Number of Positions: 1Appointment Type: Staff: CareerPercentage of Time: 100Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8:00am – 5:00pm Location: San Bernardino, CaUnion Representation: RX-Research ProfessionalsBenefits Eligible: YesThis 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 by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees. High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needsUC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your familyRetirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving PlansSupplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnityPregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employeesLactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resourcesEmployee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s livesOn-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health servicesGenerous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining AgreementsPaid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining AgreementsContinuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employeesAccess to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growthPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees 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) - Never 0 Hours Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 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. 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.). 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. Ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures. 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. A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks #CA-CB