Meyer Lab Technician

NOTIFICATIONS

UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID -19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.

Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 04-12-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Since 2017, the UC Conservation Genomics Consortium has been growing a multi-institutional network focused on environmental DNA (eDNA) research. Now with a citizen science program called CALeDNA (www.ucedna.com) and many research projects, UC Santa Cruz department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has invested in new eDNA research and sample curation equipment, and hired Rachel Meyer as adjunct assistant professor to manage facilities and direct eDNA and conservation genomics activities with Beth Shapiro as part of the UCSC Paleogenomics lab group. We seek a lab technician to assist Meyer with these activities.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of Rachel Meyer, the incumbent will serve as a member of a research team collecting environmental DNA for biodiversity, ecology, and earth science topics. The incumbent will help maintain the laboratory, help to train new researchers and visiting researchers, help informatically analyze data and manage sample collections. The incumbent will scale up social media presence, handle the logistics of workshop organization, and assist with planning bioblitzes and other outreach activities focused on eDNA. The incumbent will also process plant material for DNA and genomes.

The incumbent will spend at least 80% of their time at UCSC Coastal Biology Building to do wet laboratory-based work and up to 20% of their time in Biomed and the ancient laboratory at Thimann.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $21.18 - $22.84/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary above the posted range. The salary shown above is the budgeted range the University reasonably expects to pay.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: This is a Limited appointment

Job End Date: 3 months from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: TX Union

Job Code Classification: 009603 (LAB AST 2)

Travel:  Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Sample Processing

• Responsible for sample organization, DNA extraction, metabarcoding, and DNA library preparation.
• Works with the Paleogenomics Lab team to sequence samples and promptly save the data once available.
• Inventories the supplies consumed and restocks the lab when needed.

30% - Training and Community Engagement

• Under supervision, demonstrates all sample processing steps and helps students and visiting researchers learn to use lab equipment safely.
• Keeps the supplies stocked and in their proper place, and takes care of equipment to maintain safety.
• Under supervision, runs Bioblitzes, which are group outdoor excursions to collect eDNA samples.
• Recruits volunteers to be citizen scientists in the Bioblitz, leads hikes, trains volunteers in sample collection and iNaturalist use, and helps keep people safe and together.

20% - Data Processing and Analysis

• Conducts informatics research on eDNA data using Linux and high performance servers, which includes using the Anacapa Toolkit.
• Uses these products for community ecology analyses in R, including for example, the packages VEGAN, Phyloseq, and SpIEC-EASI. Processes whole genome resequencing data using standard tools.
• Writes reports of the methods, results, and interpretation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge such as attained in lower level division coursework leading to a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or other related field or a combination of equivalent training and/or experience.
• Competency to make DNA libraries.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment and discretion.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Basic skills in R and Linux.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of Molecular Ecology BIOE 137 Lecture and Lab, or equivalent.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

HOW TO APPLY

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EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment 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. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.