SRA 2 NEX (Screening Chemist)

We are looking for an Equine Screening Chemist 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 Chemists 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 direction of the Lab Research Supervisor II, responsible for the performance of organic analyses for the determination of drugs and their metabolites in biological specimens using liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques. Responsible for care and maintenance of laboratory equipment and complex analytical instruments. Responsible for participating in the update and development of analytical procedures, quality control procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Budgeted Salary: Initial placement will be between $28.04 – $31.56/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 – Occasionally; Ability to perform repetitive motions such as pipetting. Sit/work at a computer/workstation for extended periods of time.
• 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·       This position is subject to 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).

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

·       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. This position is located in a regulated and accredited 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.

·       Work in area where there is constant noise from equipment operation.

·       Restricted/Limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.).

·       Share weekend/holiday/mandatory coverage as needed. Occasional travel to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc.

·       All CAHFS employees must know 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.

·       Must wear laboratory required/supplied PPE and participate in Health Surveillance Program.

·       This position may be subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies, as is subject to 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 handle/dispose of infectious materials.

·       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.

·       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 analytical chemistry or a related scientific discipline, and/or equivalent work experience related to performing techniques and procedures for analysis of biological samples as described in the Standard Operating Procedures in a laboratory environment.

·       Experience in sample preparation techniques such as solid phase and liquid-liquid sample extraction, sample fortification and matrix matching and skills to prepare analytical reagents, solutions, controls and standards.

·       Experience operating a wide range of manual and computer-controlled analytical equipment including Gas Chromatograph, Liquid Chromatograph and Mass Spectrometers, including maintenance and trouble-shooting of equipment to obtain maximum performance from instruments.

·       Experience in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of laboratory equipment used in sample preparation including mircoliter pipettes, pH meter, sonicator, evaporator, centrifuge, analytical balance, automated SPE instruments, and analytical instruments.

·       Experience performing mathematical calculations, and knowledge of statistical analysis.

·       Experience with Quality Assurance Processes: Have a solid understanding of quality assurance principles, methodologies, and best practices. Familiar with quality control techniques, root cause analysis, and other quality improvement methods. Experience working in environments with defined processes and guidelines and should be able to adhere to them to ensure consistent and reliable results.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, meet deadlines consistently, and maintain accurate records.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:   

·       Experience working in a high volume, high throughput analytical laboratory, in a regulated industry with knowledge of QA/QC to continuously produce high quality data.

·       Experience working with hazardous materials, following safety procedures, and applying good laboratory practices to be able to follow policies and procedures outlined by CAHFS, the EACL Laboratory, and the University.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Competency using various forms of chromatographic software such as ChemStation, Xcalibur, and/or Tracefinder software.

·       Familiarity with literature sources of analytical 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 .