Staff Research Associate III (SRA 3)

Under general supervision, perform diagnostic veterinary serology testing in the CAHFS Immunology Laboratory. Use expertise in virology, bacteriology, cell culture and serology to independently evaluate, optimize, and validate reagents for veterinary diagnostic assays, and perform serologic assay development, assay monitoring, and assay evaluations. In consultation with academic immunology supervisor independently manages special projects and has oversight of the section's test development and validation program.

Apply By Date July 22, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's in Immunology, Microbiology or related field.
• Experience running serologic assays, including ELISAs, serum virus neutralization, and hemagglutination inhibition.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases with applicable skills in immunology and virology in order to accurately perform diagnostic serology methods including immunodiffusion, serum-viral neutralization, ELISA, agglutination, hemagglutination-inhibition, indirect immunofluorescence, and complement-fixation. Knowledge and skills to propagate bacteria and prepare for use as standardized reagents in diagnostic assays, propagate and maintain cell cultures.
• Ability to critically evaluate assay performance and independently resolve technical problems related to complex diagnostic methods, to evaluate and optimize unique reagents for existing and novel assays, validate new test methods, propagate viruses in cell culture, titrate viruses and prepare infected reagent slides.
• Knowledge and skills to operate biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, centrifuges, ELISA readers and washers, auto and manual pipets, incubators, microscopes (inverted and UV), calculators, balances, computers, spectrophotometer, pH meters, and autoclaves. Computer skills to log in specimens, enter test results, maintain laboratory records, generate reports, write SOPs, perform data searches, operate software integrated equipment and test analyses. Knowledge of mathematics to perform dilutions and calculate test results. Knowledge of chemistry and stoichiometry to accurately prepare reagents and buffers. Writing skills to prepare clear, concise reports and standard operating procedures.
• Skill to safely contain, decontaminate and dispose of infectious biohazardous materials. Knowledge to work safely with clinical blood and tissue specimens, with infectious diseases in a biosafety level 2 facility and biosafety related to zoonotic diseases. Skills to maintain a clean laboratory workspace and to maintain laboratory equipment in good working order and properly calibrated. Ability to understand and follow complex laboratory protocols related to test procedures, reagent preparation, and quality control.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with coworkers, veterinarians, researchers, and clients. Interpersonal skills to respond appropriately to client issues and provide excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post graduate degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a high throughput diagnostic laboratory.
• Creative abilities to develop new approaches and techniques for specific diagnostic applications.
• Advanced understanding and skill in project design, test evaluation, and test validation.
• Deep knowledge of serologic assay principles and methods
• Strong background in veterinary infectious diseases

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Diagnostic Testing
• 40% - Development
• 10% - Laboratory Management

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. The Immunology section in Davis provides vital diagnostic services to support CAHFS' mission of protecting animal health, food safety, and public health by detecting antibodies to endemic and regulatory infectious disease agents in livestock, equine, and avian species across California while also serving national and international clients, and wildlife agencies.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $66,437.42/yr. - $106,832.28/yr. - Please note: Departmental Budgeted Salary Range is: $66,437.42/Year - $74,828.9/Year , commensurate with educational background and relevant work experience.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• UC Job Title: SRA 3
• UC Job Code: 009611
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period).
• 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: 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

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.

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. 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. This position has a work schedule of 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 holiday rotation. Personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines and instructions. Must be able to tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products. This position may, at times, require the incumbent to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards of the position are but are not limited to rabies, Chlamydia (psittacosis, ornithosis), Salmonella, and Cryptosporidia.

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

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