Research Associate (VRDL)

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor of the Data, Testing, Epidemiology and Quality Support (DTEQS) Section, the Research Associate (RA) will assist in the management of patient records and specimens submitted for testing to the Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Laboratory (VRDL). The primary responsibilities of this position will include coordinating diagnostic and surveillance testing and next-generation sequencing of novel (avian) influenza, hantaviruses, rabies and other respiratory and zoonotic viruses, rickettsia, and free living amoeba; reporting of test results, laboratory and patient data management, analysis, and visualization; outbreak support and coordination of genomic epidemiology of support for these viruses; coordination of laboratory networks and shipping of infectious materials to partner laboratories; and serving as a liaison between VRDL and its stakeholders including epidemiologists and other public health laboratories. The RA may also perform basic/limited laboratory duties, as assigned.

Must submit a resume with the application.

The hourly range for this position is $28.82 to $36.25 per hour depending on experience/qualification. 

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a liaison between VRDL and its partners and stakeholders to obtain, retrieve, and maintain epidemiological information for patient and specimen tracking.


• Communicates VRDL services to local, state, and national partners, including maintaining the VRDL public-facing website and coordinating partner meetings for surveillance projects.


• Use databases such as StarLIMS and Access for data entry, locating patient information, routing samples for testing, and tracking pending samples


• Perform data extraction, cleaning, analysis, and visualization for VRDL leadership and stakeholders using various laboratory and public health data sources including StarLIMS, CalREDIE, and Snowflake.


• Perform regular quality assurance (QA) audits and participate in VRDL’s quality improvement program


• Reviews laboratory results for accuracy and completeness, reports results to submitters, and answers questions about appropriate specimen type(s) to submit and the method of packaging and transport.


• Preparing specimens and shipping documents for send out to partners and provide guidance on shipping infectious materials in compliance with international and domestic regulations.


• Prepares and presents summary reports and updates to internal staff, CDPH partners, and stakeholders.


• Coordinate communications and testing for enhanced surveillance projects.

 NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform routing technical and non-technical laboratory procedures for processing specimens, including receiving and organizing the storage of specimens.


• Perform other duties as directed by the DTEQS supervisor in the office and laboratory setting.

 JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Incumbent must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with public health and healthcare professionals, and other CDPH employees.


• Possesses analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Completes assignments in a timely and efficient manner.


• Adheres to departmental policies and procedures regarding attendance, leave, and conduct.


• Proficiency with MS Excel; experience with database programs such as MS Access and knowledge of statistical analysis preferred.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, biological sciences, or related field, required


• Previous experience working or volunteering in a public health setting, preferred

 Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

None

 Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Power Point


• Strong organizational and communication skills


• Possesses keen attention to detail

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities

• Stand                                            F (Frequently)


• Walk                                             F (Frequently)


• Sit                                                 F (Frequently)


• Handling/Fingering                     F (Frequently)


• Reach Outward                           O (Occasionally)


• Reach Above Shoulder               O (Occasionally)


• Climb                                           N (Not Applicable)


• Crawl                                           N (Not Applicable)


• Squat or Kneel                            O (Occasionally)


• Bend                                            O (Occasionally)

Lift/Carry

• 10 lbs or less                               O (Occasionally)


• 11-20 lbs                                     O (Occasionally)


• 21-50 lbs                                     O (Occasionally)


• 51-100 lbs                                   N (Not Applicable)


• Over 100 lbs                                N (Not Applicable)

Push/Pull

• 12 lbs or less                               O (Occasionally)


• 13-25 lbs                                     O (Occasionally)


• 26-30 lbs                                     O (Occasionally)


• 41-100 lbs                                   N (Not Applicable)


• Over 100 lbs                                N (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 and Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

Limited laboratory duties, occasional hybrid schedule remote (up to 20% time) and onsite in office. Must be flexible with dates for remote work. 

Must have Internet access at the remote location.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.