Biospecimen Lab Assistant

Under the direct supervision of the Biospecimen Lab Supervisor, the Biospecimen Lab Assistant supports the clinical research efforts of the Cancer Center by managing, processing, storing, and shipping biological specimens collected from patients consented to clinical trials. This role ensures proper handling, meticulous documentation, and compliance with regulatory and institutional guidelines to facilitate high-quality research. Occasional nights and weekends may be required based on trial schedule. #CA-SB

Apply By Date 7/26/2025 by 11:59pm

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

• Certification for blood-borne pathogen and shipping of hazardous materials training.
• IATA Certification for shipping dangerous goods or obtain within 30 days of hire.
• High School Graduate or GED or equivalent experience.
• 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of working in a laboratory environment, including safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment
• Ability to perform calculations for cell and reagent concentrations.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain protocol and specimen requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and multi-task when handling multiple specimens.
• Knowledge of certification requirements for blood-borne pathogens and shipping of hazardous materials.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access or similar database software.
• Experience in creating and maintaining electronic databases.
• Ability to manage organized filing systems.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience working individually and as a team member in a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of basic translational and clinical research methodologies, tools, requirements, and general aims.
• Knowledge of EMR and navigating a patient chart.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related fields and/or equivalent education/experience especially working with human specimens.
• Knowledge of cancer clinical research.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Biospecimen Handling & Processing
• 25% - Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
• 15% - Laboratory Operations, Inventory & Quality Control
• 15% - Collaboration & Communication

Department Overview

The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCDCCC) is a campus-wide multidisciplinary matrix organization whose mission is to reduce the burden of cancer among the diverse populations in our community and beyond through bidirectional engagement and transdisciplinary collaborations that enhance our understanding of cancer, inform new ways to prevent and treat cancer, and prepares a committed and inclusive workforce. The Office of Clinical Research (OCR) is the centralized office for clinical research operations within UCDCCC. The OCR services support the entire lifecycle of cancer-related clinical research protocols. These include support for development and implementation of clinical trials, quality control of clinical research operations, and training and education services.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.52 - $31.64
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 107
• UC Job Title: SRA 1
• UC Job Code: 009613
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri 8a-5p
• Location: Cancer Center (HSP093)
• Union Representation: Yes, RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not a H-1B Visa opportunity

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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 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 outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must be willing to work variable shifts, rotating weekends with other staff, and take call as needed on nights, weekends and holidays to ensure the Good Manufacturing Practice Facility is compliant with Federal law (21CFR 210 and 211), and to work overtime within UCDH Policy and Procedure. Needs to be able to adjust to a flexible work schedule as work in the BSL2 facility can vary greatly. Needs to be able to work in full body suit and with face mask and gloves for hours in a controlled environment, such as a clean room facility. Needs to be able to work under constant supervision and in a strictly regulated environment under Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Adheres to no smoking, dress code, tardiness, telephone and safety policies and protocols and works independently occasionally as the only employee (e.g.: equipment and facility monitoring on weekends holidays, etc). Performs work in a sterile tissue culture work environment.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks