SRA 2 NEX (Pharmacology Technician)

We are looking for an Equine Pharmacology Technician to work alongside our world leading faculty and technicians, helping to safeguard the health of the horses in the horse racing industry with rapid and reliable detections for illegal drugs/dosage that affecting the health of the horses and protecting the integrity of the horse racing industry.

As part of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System/Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 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 guidance from the pharmacology supervisor, responsible for the coordination, direction and supervision of in vivo pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic research projects as well as, performing organic analysis for the determination of xenobiotic residues in biological specimens using LC-MS/MS analysis. Perform standard molecular biology techniques. Update and development of quality control procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for in vivo and in vitro studies. Formulate strategies for implementing previously described and novel techniques, researching literature, and summarizing data for publication. Develop training and conditioning protocols for horse herd, design and develop protocols for drug administration studies, and assist in training of students and other lab personnel, record keeping, and information management described and novel techniques, researching literature, and summarizing data for publication. Development of training and conditioning protocols for horse herd, design and development of protocols for drug administration studies. Train undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students and other lab personnel, record keeping, and information management.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mental Demands: Confidentiality - Constantly, Constant Interruptions - Frequently
• Physical Demands: Attendance - Constantly, Squatting, Stooping, Bending – Regularly; Physical ability to handle and work with horses. Work outside in all weather conditions in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment. Be able to perform repetitive motions, pipetting. This position is subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies, as well as medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and to handle/dispose of infectious materials.
• Lifting Requirements: Up to 50 Pounds (Medium) - Occasionally
• Visual Acuity Requirements: Color Visual Acuity - Constantly
• Noise Conditions: Ability to Adjust Focus – Frequently; Ability to work in area where there is constant noise from turbo pump.
• Physical Demands (Elements Exposed to): Blood - Occasionally, Chemicals - Occasionally, Hazards - Occasionally, Toxins – Occasionally; May, at times, work with or be in areas where biohazardous and chemical materials and infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards of the position are, but are not limited to salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, hot acids, bases, ethers and other chemicals.
• Equipment Used to Perform the Duties: Computer and Peripheral Equipment – Constantly; Must wear laboratory required/supplied PPE and participate in Health Surveillance Program.

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; 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, 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:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Pharmacology, Biology or Biochemistry or an equivalent combination of education and comparable experience in the field of veterinary molecular and clinical pharmacology.

·       Experience working with potentially fractious horses including exercising, handling sedated horses that may be unsteady on their feet, and restraining horses that may be rearing, bolting, biting or striking with the skill to apply twitches (neck or lip) and lip chain.

·       Experience in the development of training and conditioning protocols for horses

·       Experience and skills to work with horses in an experimental setting, including handling techniques to facilitate procedures including but not limited to administering drugs/medications intravenously, orally, and topically, collecting blood samples via direct venipuncture and placing intravenous and urinary catheters.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Skills to maintain and operate a wide range of manual and computer-controlled equipment including microtiter plate reader, automated immunoassay systems, holter monitors, ECGs and thermal nociceptive equipment.

·       Microtechnique and skills to work with minute quantities of DNA, RNA, and propagate and prepare virus, bacteria, and nucleic acids or associated reagents and skills to provide training in laboratory procedures other staff and students. Experience with maintenance of cell lines.

·       Computer skills including data entry, creation of spreadsheets and maintenance of databases. Skills performing data analysis (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments), mathematical calculations, data and knowledge of statistical analysis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:   

·       Experience utilizing and maintaining a high-speed treadmill and Equineciser.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Familiarity with good laboratory practices, safety procedures and other policies and procedures outlined by CAHFS, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and the University.

·       Knowledge to comply with requirements and report potential or realized quality problems according to standard operating procedures.

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 .