Lab Assistant (LAB AST 2)

University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Davis
Feb 11, 2025
Apply for Job Job ID 76208 Location Davis Full/Part Time Full Time Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job Job Summary Under general supervision provide support in the laboratory to process plant samples for disease diagnostics and pathogen survey, and manage a culture collection of bacteria, oomycete, and fungal strains. Provide assistance in media inventory and preparation. Provide support in research and diagnostics of ornamental plants in California. Assist with setting and maintenance of greenhouse experiments. Assist in development of in-planta pathogenicity trials to characterize new pathogens of ornamentals. Apply By Date 02/25/2025 by 11:59 pm Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position Lower division courses and/or equivalent experience in plant science, horticulture, microbiology, plant pathology, or related field. Experience with at least one of the following: plant disease diagnosis, plant greenhouse management, or fungal microbiology. Theoretical background in plant science, horticulture, microbiology, plant pathology and/or related field. Strong time management and multitasking skills. Good written and oral communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with aseptic microbiology techniques, and greenhouse maintenance. Key Responsibilities 40% - Lab Support 40% - Disease Diagnostics Support 20% - Greenhouse Support Department Overview The Del Castillo Lab (greenhouse and nursery pathology) is based in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California Davis. The Del Castillo Lab provides research, diagnosis, and extension support to crops (ornamentals and vegetable transplants) grown in greenhouses and nurseries. The lab conducts research on traditional diagnostics tools, and development of new ones for oomycete detection in ornamental plants. Other projects include the evaluation of innovative disease management tools for vegetable transplant production, based on a system-based approach: prevention (greenhouse sanitation) and plant protection (biological/synthetic plant treatments). You can learn more at our website https://greenhousepathology.faculty.ucdavis.edu/ Department Specific Job Scope This position will support plant sampling and the high volume of diagnostics samples conducted from March 1st to July 31st. Given the large number of samples that the lab needs to process, this position will help with media preparation, sample intake, processing, photo documentation, adequate storage or microorganism. We are looking for someone who has enthusiasm for applied aspects of plant pathology, plant diseases diagnosis, and for working with plants and fungi. Must be committed to professional conduct and maintaining a supportive and positive lab community. POSITION INFORMATION Salary or Pay Range: $22.11 - $26.05 /hourly Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly Salary Grade: 194 UC Job Title: LAB AST 2 UC Job Code: 009603 Number of Positions: 1 Appointment Type: Staff: Limited Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm Location: Davis, Ca Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals Benefits Eligible: Yes This position is 100% on-site Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html * High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs * UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family * Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave * Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement * Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement * Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement * Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth * WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources * On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services * Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles * Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here * UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff Physical Demands Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Environmental Demands Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Mental Demands Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Work Environment UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Although not a routine part of this position, must be able and willing to occasionally work outside under hot and dry, windy or cold field conditions, in order to assist other lab members in field projects. Work in a greenhouse in the summer under variable uncomfortable conditions including heat and humidity and handle plant samples in an outdoor environment, under potentially warm conditions. Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. 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 Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks