Research Assistant

SUMMARY 

The VRDL seeks candidates to continue work on COVID-19. The successful candidate will perform important laboratory duties such as specimen accessioning and processing, inventory monitoring; performing quality control checks on equipment; preparing media and reagents; autoclaving used lab items; preparing glassware for lab use; monitoring equipment to assist with quality control; and record keeping. At the VRDL, this work directly involves and supports laboratory testing for COVID-19 including whole genome sequencing (COVIDNet). Maintaining an organized, neat, and clean work environment, working well in a team environment, and being organized and detail-oriented are essential. Additional duties include scanning submittal forms, filing patient records, and preparing shipping materials. The position is in Richmond, CA.

Must submit a resume with the application.

This position requires staff to be on-site during regular business hours to complete tasks in the laboratory/office.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

The salary range for this position is $19.00/Hour to $25.50/Hour depending on experience/qualifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Accessioning samples into database (Access and LIMS), tracking specimens in storage, processing samples (nucleic acid extraction), and storing of laboratory specimens for testing and shipping
• Check in and process samples for testing using pipetting devices
• Organize and maintain archive repositories for different sample types
• Autoclave and disinfect laboratory materials containing potentially infectious agents; dispose those materials following autoclaving/decontamination procedures
• Maintain QA and QC records for the laboratory, when necessary
• Prepare reagents and media for specimen processing and extraction
• Perform data entry for patient information, routing samples for testing, and tracking
• Use of Microsoft Word suite programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
• Other duties as necessary in the laboratory or office when deemed necessary

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

• Attention to detail and application of laboratory safety practices
• Ability to learn and apply concepts to the job at hand
• Familiarity with:
  • Laboratories, sterile technique, and microbiological concepts
  • Standard precautions for working with potential infectious clinical specimens

Education/Experience 

• Prefer candidates with some college course work in a laboratory science such as chemistry, microbiology and/or molecular biology
• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and/or molecular biology is preferred, but not required.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances 

• None required

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Occasionally
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally – Up to 50 lbs
• Push/Pull: Occasionally – Up to 50 lbs
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally = (0 – 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently = (2 – 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly = (5+ hrs/day) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

General laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)