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Research Assistant (R&D)



SUMMARY 

The VRDL seeks candidates to immediately begin work to respond to current public health needs. The successful candidate will perform important laboratory duties including, but not limited to, specimen check-in, accessioning, and processing; performing quality control checks on equipment; preparing media and reagents; autoclaving used lab items; autoclaving laboratory waste and preparing for its disposal; preparing glassware for lab use; monitoring equipment to assist with quality control; and record keeping. Maintaining an organized, neat, and clean work environment, working well in a team environment, and being organized and detail-oriented are essential. The position is in Richmond, CA.  

Must submit a resume with the application.  

The hourly range for this position is $19.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour depending on experience/qualifications.  

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  • Properly check specimen in accordance to laboratory protocol
  • Process incoming specimen based on individual section needs
  • Store processed specimen for testing and shipping
  • Assist with specimen accessioning as needed
  • Maintain QA and QC records for the laboratory when necessary
  • Organize and maintain archive repositories for different sample types
  • Autoclave laboratory materials containing potentially infectious agents; dispose of these materials following autoclaving/decontamination procedures
  • Operate autoclaves to sterilize lab materials as needed
  • Ensure glassware is cleaned and sterile for use in the lab sections. Distribute sterilized glassware to common areas
  • Prepare reagents and media for use in diagnostic testing
  • Use Microsoft Word suite programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access Databases when needed
  • 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: Frequently
  • Reach Outward: Frequently
  • 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)

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