Research Associate

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 testing of specimens submitted diagnostic and surveillance testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), respiratory viruses, arboviruses, rabies, and other viruses, reporting of test results, laboratory and patient data management, clerical/administrative work, 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.

Salary Range $28.08-to $35.13 per hour.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Use databases such as StarLIMS and Access for data entry, locating patient information, routing samples for testing, and tracking pending samples
• Perform data cleaning and geocoding of metadata for specimens prior to accessioning and routing for testing.
• 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 method of packaging and transport.
• Preparing specimens and shipping documents to send out to partners.
• Serves as a liaison between VRDL and its partners and stakeholders to obtain, retrieve, and maintain epidemiological information for patient and specimen tracking.
• Prepares and presents summary reports and updates to internal staff, CDPH partners, and stakeholders.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform routing technical and non-technical laboratory procedures for processing specimens, including receiving and organizing the storage of specimens.
• Coordinate communications and testing for enhanced surveillance projects including Whole Genome Sequencing, as needed.
• 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.
• Effective communication and writing skills.

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.