SRA 2 NEX (Analytical Chemist)

Want to be part of an early warning system that helps to protect the health of California’s livestock and poultry? We are looking for an Analytical Chemist to work alongside our world leading faculty and technicians, helping to safeguard the public health with rapid and reliable diagnoses for animal diseases including those affecting humans.

As part of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System within the top-ranked UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, our career employees are provided the following benefits:

PERSONAL LEAVE

· Vacation – Eligible to earn up to (3) three weeks per year

· Sick Leave – Eligible to earn up to 8 hours per month (no maximum)

· Holiday Pay – 14 paid holidays per year (Full-Time Position)

COMPENSATION

· Competitive pay plus retirement

INSURANCE

· High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs.

· UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance for you and your family.

· Supplemental insurance offered including: Additional Life, Disability, Short/Long Term Disability and Legal Coverage.

Under general direction of the supervisor, perform organic and inorganic analyses for the determination of components in animal feed samples, as well as for the determination of synthetic toxicants and naturally occurring toxins in animal tissues, biological specimens, and source material. Prepare feed samples for testing using grinding and homogenization equipment. Prepare tissue and other types of samples for testing by portioning and weighing. Follow relevant laboratory SOPs for sample preparation. Responsible for maintaining quality control and participating in the update and ongoing assessment of analytical procedures.

BUDGETED SALARY: Initial placement will be between $28.04 – $30.95/Hour, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mental Demands: Confidentiality - Constantly, Constant Interruptions - Frequently
• Physical Demands: Attendance - Constantly, Squatting, Stooping, Bending - Regularly
• Lifting Requirements: Up to 25 Pounds (Light) - Occasionally
• Visual Acuity Requirements: Color Visual Acuity - Constantly
• Noise Conditions: Ability to Adjust Focus - Frequently
• Physical Demands (Elements Exposed to): Blood - Occasionally, Chemicals - Occasionally, Hazards - Occasionally, Toxins - Occasionally
• Equipment Used to Perform the Duties: Computer and Peripheral Equipment - Constantly
• Stoop, bend and lift supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Kneel, squat, stoop, and bend.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions such as pipetting.
• Sit/work at a computer/workstation for extended periods of time.
• Ability to distinguish between colors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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 is not eligible for remote work, due to the nature of the essential responsibilities.
• 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, Audits Periods, etc.)
• Occasional travel to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc.
• THIS IS NOT AN H1B/J1 OPPORTUNITY. Candidate must be legally permitted to work in the United States and not subject to revocation.
• 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.
• Must have ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures.
• Per the terms and agreements of the department’s contracts and grants, the position will require signing of a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding testing and client information.
• 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:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience preparing analytical reagents, solutions, controls, and standards.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of sample preparation techniques used for the analysis of inorganic and/or organic chemicals such as acid digestion, solid phase and liquid-liquid sample extraction, sample spiking and matrix matching in feed samples as well as biological, food and/or plant samples.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of manual and computer-controlled analytical equipment including ICPs, AAs, Gas Chromatographs, Liquid Chromatographs, Centrifuges, etc.
• Skill to perform mathematical calculations necessary to prepare chemical solutions at specific concentrations and to calculate concentrations of detected analytes in samples.
• Knowledge of QA/QC concepts and ability to apply this knowledge to continuously produce high quality data.
• Data entry skills to quickly and accurately enter test results into a computerized database.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:    

• Experience working in a laboratory focused on performing testing for individual clients on a time restricted basis.
• Experience working with animal tissues.
• Experience operating mass spectrometers.

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 .