Staff Research Associate 1

#CA-SS

Under the general direction of the Mycobacterial & Parasitic Diseases Reference Unit Chief of CDPH within the California Department of Public Health, the incumbent provides support for laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) tasks, and laboratory diagnostic testing and epidemiologic investigation of tuberculosis, other mycobacterial infections of great public health importance. Laboratory support includes activities including but not limited to: specimen receiving, processing patient samples for analysis, preparing and performing QC testing, handling reagents and supplies (e.g., tracking inventory, receiving, labeling), using laboratory equipment and instrumentation to identify and characterize pathogens, equipment maintenance and calibration, performing decontamination of equipment and laboratory space, autoclaving biohazard waste, and assisting staff in other laboratory testing, projects, and daily activities. Note that specific duties will depend on the successful candidates' training, experience, and licensure.

This career position is onsite at the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) office in Richmond, CA.

This role reports to the UCD Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The core activities of the COEH are to educate future leaders in occupational and environmental health, develop new knowledge, and bring the resources of the University of California to people affected by health hazards in their workplaces or communities.

Apply By Date September 26, 2025 at 11:59PM

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

• Experience working in microbiological, biomedical, chemical, or clinical laboratory.
• Skills in applying sterile techniques and standard precautions for working with potentially infectious clinical specimens.
• Knowledge and prior demonstrated skills of laboratory molecular techniques, e.g., involving general recombinant DNA methods, DNA and/or RNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, PCR, spectroscopy, etc.
• Knowledge of PCR contamination prevention practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with methods of bacterial culture.
• General knowledge of Quality assurance / Quality control principles, applicable to general field of microbiology.
• Knowledge of general laboratory safety and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Skills to analyze experimental data and draw supportable conclusions quantitatively and qualitatively.
• Skills of evaluating laboratory situations accurately and taking effective action, when needed.
• Demonstrated organization skills for detailed work assignments and efficient time management.
• Skills of using databases and/or laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Ability to perform microbiological and molecular laboratory testing, requiring micromanipulations and handling precisely measured volumes and amounts of reagents.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and transfer knowledge to peers.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Skills to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.
• Skills of maintaining accurate records and creating reports.
• Skills of setting up and operating technical laboratory equipment and performing accurate tests and analyses.
• Skills using desktop computers and MS Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) certificate is desirable but not required.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or related fields with 1+ years of relevant molecular and microbiology laboratory experience.
• Possession of a master's degree in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or related fields with 6+ months of relevant molecular and microbiology laboratory experience.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)
• 35% - Laboratory Testing Support
• 25% - Laboratory Maintenance & General tasks

Department Overview

The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) is a large complex research, teaching, and clinical department that is part of the UC Davis School of Medicine and UC Davis Health. The mission of the Department is to improve the health of the population using approaches based in epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, and behavioral science through research, educational programs, clinical programs, public service, and policy development.

The California Department of Public Health's mission is to advance the health and well-being of California's diverse people and communities. http://www.cdph.ca.gov

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.52 - $31.64
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 107
• UC Job Title: SRA 1
• UC Job Code: 009613
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8 hours
• Location: CDPH - Richmond (OTH010)
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not an H1-B visa opportunity

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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Occasional Up to 3 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.

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
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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