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The IRD for this job is: 10-09-2024
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Since 2017, the UC Conservation Genomics Consortium has been growing a multi-institutional network focused on environmental DNA (eDNA) research. Now with a citizen science program called CALeDNA (www.ucedna.com) and many research projects, UC Santa Cruz department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has invested in new eDNA research and sample curation equipment, and hired Rachel Meyer as adjunct assistant professor to manage facilities and direct eDNA and conservation genomics activities with Beth Shapiro as part of the UCSC Paleogenomics lab group. We seek a lab technician to assist Meyer with these activities.
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of Rachel Meyer, the incumbent will serve as a member of a research team collecting environmental DNA for biodiversity, ecology, and earth science topics. The incumbent will help maintain the laboratory, help to train new researchers and visiting researchers, help informatically analyze data and manage sample collections. The incumbent will scale up social media presence, handle the logistics of workshop organization, and assist with planning bioblitzes and other outreach activities focused on eDNA. The incumbent will also process plant material for DNA and genomes.
The incumbent will spend at least 80% of their time at UCSC Coastal Biology Building to do wet laboratory-based work and up to 20% of their time in Biomed and the ancient laboratory at Thimann.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $22.58 - $26.55/hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience. Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
Schedule Information:
Full-time, Fixed
Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
Shift Includes: Day
Employee Classification: Career appointment
Job End Date: None
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: TX Union
Job Code Classification: 009603 (LAB AST 2)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
50% - Sample Processing
Responsible for sample organization, DNA extraction, metabarcoding, and DNA library preparation.
Works with the Paleogenomics Lab team to sequence samples and promptly save the data once available.
Inventories the supplies consumed and restocks the lab when needed.
30% - Training and Community Engagement
Under supervision, demonstrates all sample processing steps and helps students and visiting researchers learn to use lab equipment safely.
Keeps the supplies stocked and in their proper place, and takes care of equipment to maintain safety.
Under supervision, runs Bioblitzes, which are group outdoor excursions to collect eDNA samples.
Recruits volunteers to be citizen scientists in the Bioblitz, leads hikes, trains volunteers in sample collection and iNaturalist use, and helps keep people safe and together.
20% - Data Processing and Analysis
Conducts informatics research on eDNA data using Linux and high performance servers, which includes using the Anacapa Toolkit.
Uses these products for community ecology analyses in R, including for example, the packages VEGAN, Phyloseq, and SpIEC-EASI. Processes whole genome resequencing data using standard tools.
Writes reports of the methods, results, and interpretation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge such as attained in lower level division coursework leading to a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or other related field or a combination of equivalent training and/or experience.
Competency to make DNA libraries.
Strong written communication skills.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment and discretion.
Strong attention to detail.
Basic skills in R and Linux.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of Molecular Ecology BIOE 137 Lecture and Lab, or equivalent.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
Will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
Ability to work a variable schedule.
Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
SAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUBiz3WS3zErEGOhSOu7KZZPzGkTwr_2/view?usp=sharing. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
EEO/AA
The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
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UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the intimacy of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.