Research Associate at Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In in Richmond, California

Job Description:

SUMMARY 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Heluna Health invites applications for a full-time Research Associate in the CDPH Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Laboratory (VRDL). The candidate preferably will be experienced in and will receive training to utilize cross-cutting technologies to further improve laboratory testing capabilities. The candidate will work on projects relating to viral respiratory agents contributing to detection and surveillance of these agents for public health purposes. The position is in Richmond, CA.

The hourly range for this position is $23.00 - $29.37 per hour depending on experience/ qualifications. 

Must submit a resume with the application.

This position may require you to work flexible hours and weekends/holidays.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• With adequate training and demonstration of competency, perform cell culture and virus isolation procedures for influenza surveillance, perform phenotypic and molecular assays for virologic characterization of respiratory viruses for detection and surveillance.


• Process and maintain records of virus surveillance testing.


• Process and aliquot respiratory specimens for laboratory testing.


• Maintain reagents, protocols, and quality control procedures.


• Follow safety and quality control procedures in the handling of hazardous biological and chemical materials, and in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents.


• Assist in shipping packages to CDC as part of influenza and other surveillance projects.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to perform:
  
  
  
  • Sterile technique and standard safety precautions for working with potential infectious clinical specimens
  
  
  • Micromanipulations, such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment
  
  
  
  


• Previous experience with cell culture and molecular (PCR; sequencing) techniques is highly desirable


• Able to follow verbal instructions and written protocols

Education/Experience 

• A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology is required.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances 

• Possession of Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) certification or eligible for PHM training is preferred but not required. 
  

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, 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


• Possess organizational and documentation skills 
  

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 30 lbs


• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs


• See (Vision): 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 Office and 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.

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)

See job description

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