SRA 1 (Necropsy Lab Assistant)

The VM: Comparative Pathology Lab (CPL) is a high-throughput laboratory animal diagnostic facility and research pathology core at University of California (UC), Davis. CPL serves the UC system and external research community by fulfilling the clinical and health surveillance requirements necessary for the care and use of animals in research and providing pathology support for basic and translational research. This position will be part of a team that includes 6 laboratory technicians (including the associate director/laboratory manager) and is responsible for the daily operations of 7 diagnostic service areas (pathology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, parasitology, serology, and molecular diagnostics).

Under the guidance of senior laboratory staff, process submissions for CPL health surveillance. Plan and perform health surveillance screens based on established facility-specific protocols and schedules. Perform gross necropsies, collection of appropriate tissue samples for downstream applications; and interpret table-side (parasitology) assays. Maintain necropsy facility and equipment. Manage diagnostic samples including acquisition, database entry, routing, archiving, disposal and documentation of chain-of-custody, as needed. Dispose of chemical and biohazard waste in compliance with CPL and UCD policies.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·         Ability to perform delicate laboratory procedures and distinguish colors in microscopic analyses.

·         Lift or maneuver large boxes of records or forms. Boxes may weigh more than 50lbs.

·         Stand for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·         Work occasional overtime to meet business needs.

·         Wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious disease.

·         May at times, work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.

·         Work in dusty and odorous environments created by various animal species.

·         Valid California driver’s license and participation in the DMV Pull Notice System is required.

·         This position is subject to medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations and University policy.

·         The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

·         Skills and experience performing necropsies with extensive tissue collection for histology and prepare tissues for histopathology processing.

·         Skills and experience in sterile techniques in the collection of microbiological samples.

·         Skills and/or experience performing diagnostic and research prosections and sample collections on a variety of species, including rodents, aquatic, large animal, and companion animal species.

·         Skills and/or experience trimming and preparing tissues for histopathology processing.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·         Skills to work in a busy high-throughput diagnostic laboratory and adapt quickly to changing priorities of multiple diagnostic laboratory services.

·         Knowledge of current animal welfare regulations and good laboratory management practices, including ability to follow written protocols for proper identification, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

·         Ability to process and interpret fecal flotations, fur mite, and pinworm tape tests, and recognize endo- and ecto- parasites commonly found in rodent, aquatic, large animal, and companion animal species.

·         Skills to schedule, coordinate and execute simultaneous activities.

·         Skills to manage workflow, maintain facilities and equipment, and manage inventories in a diagnostic laboratory.

·         Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to work with a diverse group of people to include staff veterinarians, residents, associated staff, animal care personnel, students, faculty, and the public.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:  

·         Experience performing diagnostic and research prosections and sample collections on a variety of species, including rodents, aquatic, large animal, and companion animal species preferred.

·         Experience performing extensive tissue collection and preparation for histopathology processing.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·         Demonstrated skill in collecting biological samples for downstream assays, utilizing aseptic technique.

·         Knowledge of principles, procedures, testing methodologies, and emerging diagnostic technology in a veterinary or medical clinical laboratory.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

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.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.    

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .