LAB RSCH SUPV 2 (Biotechnology Laboratory Manager)

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 a Biotechnology Laboratory Manager 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 Biotechnology/Virology Discipline head, supervises and manages the routine diagnostic testing and high-impact disease response testing, quality management, and related activities for the CAHFS Davis Biotechnology section. Provides routine consultation, training, quality management, and technical support to Biotechnology staff at three remote branch locations. Responsibilities include molecular diagnostic evaluation of clinical specimens; supervision, management and training of technical staff in the Davis Biotechnology and BSL-3 laboratories; biotechnology testing consultation and technical support to three branch laboratories; participation in trouble-shooting diagnostic assay performance, development, validation, and implementation of new/improved techniques and approaches for enhanced testing efficiency; and independent evaluation/implementation of assays and reagents for improvement of current diagnostic services. This is not a research position. The position is located in a high-through diagnostic laboratory where quality control, quality assurance, time-management and meticulous working habits are essential.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mental Demands: Confidentiality - Constantly, Constant Interruptions - Frequently
• Physical Demands: Attendance - Constantly, Squatting, Stooping, Bending – Regularly; 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.
• Lifting Requirements: Up to 25 Pounds (Light) – Occasionally; Stoop, bend and lift supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
• 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·       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.

·       Upon completion of a background check and appropriate training, must participate in the select agent program.

·       Ability to complete Select Agent background clearance procedures.

·       Due to the nature of the essential responsibilities, this position is not eligible for remote work.

·       Valid CA Driver License

·       Due to the potential work with poultry diseases, ownership and handling of birds outside of workplace are not allowed.

·       Due to the potential work with poultry diseases, electronic devices, such as cell phone, iPod, etc., usage will be restricted inside the lab.

·       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; 9:00am – 6:00pm (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.)

·       Occasional travel to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc.

·       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:

·       Advanced degree in Biology, Animal Science, or closely related fields or equivalent combination of education and experience in related field.

·       Demonstrated experience to provide effective management and supervision in a diagnostic or accredited facility including prioritizing workload, scheduling multilevel technical staff to meet strict deadlines with a high-volume testing numbers, assessing and managing workflow efficiency; as well as experience to recruit, hire, train, evaluate the performance of employees, encourage staff development and perform conflict resolution, corrective action, mentoring and coaching for staff supervised.

·       Experience with quality control/quality assurance and safety methods in an accredited laboratory that utilizes complex methodology, maintaining accurate inventory, quality control records for biological media/reagents, developing, implementing, critically evaluating performance, resolving technical problems related to molecular diagnostic/virology methods, and methods of containment, decontamination, and disposal of infectious and biohazardous materials.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Knowledge in the field of veterinary infectious diseases, virology, nucleic acid sequence evaluation and molecular diagnostics and performing, PCR testing and troubleshooting molecular diagnostics procedures and automated instrumentation in a diagnostic environment or accredited facility.

·       Skills to performing complex diagnostic and assay development techniques utilizing molecular Biology, virology, for a high through-put testing laboratory.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:   

·       Experience of technical expertise in PCR, Molecular diagnostic assay, and Sequencing methods.

·       National Animal Health Laboratory Network proficiency demonstrated (has passed or ability to pass check tests).

·       Experience working in BSL2 and/or BSL3 facilities.

·       Experience in working in an accredited laboratory including quality assurance and quality control.

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 .