Laboratory Assistant (LAB AST 2)

THIS POSITION IS PERMANENTLY LOCATED IN Turlock, CA. Under supervision, provides basic laboratory support in Shipping/Receiving and other departments of the Turlock Laboratory. The Laboratory Assistant II position is responsible for entering client/animal/specimen information, test assignment & retrieving results using the laboratory information management system (LIMS). Responsible for processing specimen samples, distributing to appropriate departments for testing and/or sending out to reference laboratories. Performs data entry, labeling, prepping samples and media for shipment, stocking, filing, disposing of biohazardous waste materials, autoclave, laundry and glassware support. Provides assistance in other departments as needed.

Apply By Date: September 9th 2026 by 11:59PM

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 providing excellent customer service to clients.
• Experience or knowledge of veterinary/medical laboratory diagnostic setting; including specimen handling, operation of laboratory equipment, and general laboratory techniques
• Skills and demonstrated experience to store, record and track samples and data sheets in an efficient, timely and accurate manner.
• Working knowledge and skills with quality control methods in a diagnostic laboratory including proper identification, labeling and completing of documents related to received specimens, and/or supplies; and maintaining accurate inventory and quality control records for biological media/reagents.
• Customer service skills, with the experience to interact with individuals at all levels of the University and with external clients.
• Skills to communicate complex and sensitive information, negotiate and resolve conflicts and promote teamwork.
• Skills with word processing, spreadsheets and database applications in a Windows environment for correspondences, documentation and accurately enter data into computers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and skills to use various laboratory equipment including; centrifuges, blenders, bio-hazard safety cabinets, glassware washers and autoclaves.
• Skills to perform appropriate and cost-effective ordering and use of laboratory and/or office supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of air and ground shipping regulations.
• Knowledge of and skills in veterinary/medical diagnostic laboratory test procedures and service functions

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Specimen Assignments and Processing
• 30% - Receiving / Shipping
• 20% - Glassware/Laundry/Autoclave Support
• 10% - Laboratory Maintenance / Multi-laboratory Support

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: $27.10/hr. - $29.58/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009603
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period)
• Location: Davis
• 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 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 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) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 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 outd