Molecular Biologist (SRA 2 NEX)

Under general supervision, perform the daily functions of a high throughput diagnostic laboratory, including identification and characterization of viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal pathogens using real-time PCR, standard PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, processing samples for extraction of DNA and RNA, and maintaining documentation records in accordance with standard operating procedures. Provide specimen processing back up for classical bacteriological testing. Responsible for adherence to the CAHFS Quality program requirements, solving problems related to molecular diagnostic testing methods, laboratory and equipment maintenance, organizing and prioritizing workload to meet the needs of clinical testing requirements and maintaining complete records of test data and results. Perform literature searches and utilize various reference materials to solve procedural and identification problems. This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous work habits are essential.

Apply By Date

09/07/2026 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• No minimum education required.
• Experience working in a highly regulated diagnostic environment which adheres to ISO, AAVLD, or other laboratory accreditation standards, including expertise following complex protocols, producing neat, accurate, complete records, within a strict quality assurance and control environment for assuring test accuracy in a diagnostic lab.
• Skills and experience to perform highly repetitive operations including manual pipetting, high-throughput DNA and RNA extraction, conventional and real-time PCR, and results reporting with close attention to detail.
• Skills to operate a biosafety cabinet, fume hood, auto and manual pipettes, spectrophotometer, digital imager, real-time PCR machines, centrifuges, thermocyclers, and other laboratory equipment, including any accompanying software.
• Skills to multi-task, work under multiple deadlines, and adapt to sudden changes in workload.
• Knowledge to design PCR primers, maintain stocks, optimize concentrations, and perform all related calculations.
• Strong writing, verbal communication and computer skills to produce clear and concise test results and explanations to others, including co-workers, submitting vets, and clients.
• Use of various computer applications including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics programs, library search programs, graphing and statistical analysis programs, and Laboratory Information Management programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S degree in molecular biology or a related scientific discipline with experience in molecular diagnostic testing for infectious agents.
• Experience with magnetic bead-based extraction procedures.
• Experience/background in Animal Science, and/or livestock/poultry production.
• Experience with appropriate handling of clinical (animal tissues and fluids) and environmental samples for diagnostic bacteriology, fungal, and/or parasitology examinations.
• Skills to use DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis programs NCBI, and Geneious Prime.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Clinical Diagnostics
• 20% - Laboratory Management
• 15% - Quality Program & Other Duties
• 5% - Development

Department Overview

CAHFS provides California's livestock and poultry industries, and veterinary practitioners who serve them, with a full range of diagnostic laboratory services for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animal and humans. In meeting this need, the CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories currently located in Davis, Turlock, Tulare and San Bernardino. Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and through revenue generated from user fees. An additional program, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, is funded through a contract with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and horse wagering monies and provides full-service drug testing and a pharmacology research and development program.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $32.79 - $52.75 (department budgeted salary: $32.79 - $41.58 /hourly, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience)
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• UC Job Code: 009617
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Location:Turlock, CA
• Union Representation: RX-Research 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 by visiting or or .

• High quality and low-cost to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for and coverage for you and your family
• for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including , , , , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• , , and for eligible employees
• and Family Care discounts and resources
• to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• and for eligible employees

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+ Ho