Lab Assistant

The UCSF Hair Analytical Laboratory (HAL) - based in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine - analyzes antiretroviral, anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB), antibiotic, and controlled substance concentrations in small hair samples (but may include other biological specimens such as plasma, serum, whole blood, dried blood spot (DBS), urine, nail, etc.) as biomarkers of adherence and exposure to anti-HIV and/or anti-TB therapy and in the context of HIV and TB prevention and treatment studies using assays developed and validated according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) guidance for bioanalytical methods and the National Institute of Health's (NIH's) Division of AIDS' (DAIDS) Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance Program (CPQA). These hair measures have utility in adherence monitoring to both HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis. The HAL helps to develop assays for drug levels in hair and performs these assays for a variety of HIV-related studies around the world.

The purpose of this laboratory assistant 1 position is to work closely with all laboratory members in various aspects of research including in aiding in the operation of the Hair Analytical Lab (HAL). Duties include (but not limited to) checking, measuring, and cutting the small hair sample to the Sponsor's determined length and further cutting the samples into smaller pieces into a vial; weighing the appropriate amount of the cut hair per the requested method into a test tube in preparation for the drug analysis; calibrating the laboratory balances; helping to check, print, and file iMonnit and change the freezer and refrigerator charts; helping to log in hair samples received from clinical studies from the NIH-supported HIV clinical trials network (utilizing the laboratory information management system (LDMS) for specimen tracking and inventory storage); helping to organize inventory and stored hair samples; aiding in calibrating pipettes and fixing equipment; and other miscellaneous office and laboratory duties.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma
• One year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Ability to read, write, perform basic mathematical calculations, follow oral and written instructions; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Windows OS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in science-related field
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team to determine priorities
• Ability to complete tasks efficiently in order to meet deadlines following standard protocols established by supervisor
• Experience with specimen tracking systems if possible (we use laboratory information management system (LDMS)
• Knowledge of microbalance operation and micropipette use
• Ability to recognize irregularities in study samples
• Advanced communication skills with inside and outside researchers and clinicians
• Detail-oriented/Excellent organizations skills
• Proficient computer skills; operate computer software including our databases (with training), and Microsoft Office
• Excellent time management skills
• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures

• Familiarity with UCSF protocols and procedures

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma
• One year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Ability to read, write, perform basic mathematical calculations, follow oral and written instructions; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Windows OS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in science-related field
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team to determine priorities
• Ability to complete tasks efficiently in order to meet deadlines following standard protocols established by supervisor
• Experience with specimen tracking systems if possible (we use laboratory information management system (LDMS)
• Knowledge of microbalance operation and micropipette use
• Ability to recognize irregularities in study samples
• Advanced communication skills with inside and outside researchers and clinicians
• Detail-oriented/Excellent organizations skills
• Proficient computer skills; operate computer software including our databases (with training), and Microsoft Office
• Excellent time management skills
• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures

• Familiarity with UCSF protocols and procedures