Job Summary

The Del Castillo lab is seeking a lab assistant to provide general lab support in disease diagnostics. The incumbent is expected to conduct fungal and bacterial pathogen isolation from plant samples, DNA extraction, and molecular identification of microorganisms. The lab technician would provide support to full time lab members. Additional tasks include: conduct PCRs, gel electrophoresis, molecular sequencing submission, fungal and bacteria isolation, culture purification, media preparation.

The lab technician is expected to have interest in plant health management, disease diagnostics, oomycete and fungal ecology, extension or a related field. The incumbent must be a motivated, organized, independently driven individual who is able to work and collaborate with members of the lab in a professional manner. They must therefore have excellent organization skills including abilities for short term, long-term time and data management and organized worked in the bench. The incumbent is expected to contribute to research studies, outreach publications and reports. Work will be conducted in the lab, in campus greenhouses, and off campus, on greenhouse and nursery facilities of ornamental crops and vegetable transplants throughout California.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·       Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs.

·       Ability to sit, stand, and walk

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.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

·       Work will be conducted in the lab, in campus greenhouses, and off campus, on greenhouse and nursery facilities of ornamental crops and vegetable transplants throughout California.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical background and/or relevant experience/training in plant health management, disease diagnostics, oomycete and fungal ecology, extension or a related field.
• Experience with record keeping and data collection
• Experience with working in the bench: DNA extraction, PCRs

·       Skills to work under the supervision of the PI, laboratory managers, and/or postdoctoral researchers and independently.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·       Experience working with plant processing

·       Experience working with fungal cultures

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.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.