UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute is seeking a Sequencing Specialist
At this stage of the pandemic, new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are appearing in multiple places around the world. The goal of UC Santa Cruz is to help to detect new variants on the central coast of California by sequencing to genome of the virus. This position is a critical component of that effort, and will have a significant scientific and social impact on our efforts to limit the spread of the virus.
A laboratory technician is sought to participate as part of a team providing DNA and RNA sequencing services to University of California campuses and other Academic collaborators, but especially the Genomics Institute at University of California, Santa Cruz. The position involves isolating nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) from biological samples, sequencing these samples, and managing data analyses particular to sequencing platforms.
The incumbent will be supervised by Professor Beth Shapiro. That individual will extract and process DNA or RNA from biological samples and prepare, quantify, pool, and sequence these libraries using the Illumina sequencing platform. The incumbent will be able to operate devices for the successful collection of sequencing data from these samples. They will also manage data transfer to long term digital storage of sequencing data as well as contribute to bioinformatic analyses.
In addition, this position will perform general lab management duties such as ordering supplies, maintaining a safe and functional laboratory environment, working in compliance with EH&S safety protocols, keeping laboratory safety training records, etc.
More information about the Genomics Institute can be found at: https://ucscgenomics.soe.ucsc.edu
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary Information: Salary Range: $26.21 - $31.55/hour. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
No. of Positions: 1
Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is eligible for Mid level benefits
Schedule Information: Full-time, Fixed
Percentage of Time: 100%
Average Hours Per Week: 40
Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
Shift Includes: Day
Employee Classification: This is a Limited appointment
Job End Date: 4 months from hire date, with possibility of extension
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz main campus
Union Representation: Yes - TX Union
Job Duties
70% - Core Function: Prepares and Processes Samples
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Isolate, extract, and process DNA or RNA from biological samples and prepare libraries for sequencing.
- Quantify and pool these for sequencing on the Illumina platform
- Maintain and develop research/data gathering, retrieval and reporting systems.
- Operate devices and associated computers for the successful collection of sequencing data from these samples.
20% - Core Function: Laboratory Facility Maintenance
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Perform general lab management duties such as ordering supplies, maintaining a safe and functional laboratory environment, working in compliance with EH&S safety protocols, keeping laboratory safety training records, etc.
10% - Core Function: Process and Analyze Data
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Manage data transfer to long term digital storage of sequencing data
- Contribute to bioinformatic analyses.
- Prepares reports and / or analyses for internal department constituents.
Required Qualifications
- Experience performing basic molecular biology tasks (e.g. extraction and purification of DNA and RNA, PCR, sterile technique, etc.)
- Demonstrated attention to detail and responsible and safe work practices.
- Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with faculty, staff and students as part of a team.
- Ability to work independently, with general guidance from the project supervisors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with library prep for sequencing, techniques used in barcoding analysis and bioinformatic skills.
- Demonstrated experience in executing a series of experiments in the context of a supervised project, ability to follow and adapt established protocols, troubleshoot experiments and work independently.
- Experience with handling DNA sequence data and with software tools used in the preliminary data management steps of bioinformatics (e.g., proficiency with Python, Bash, UNIX).
- Experience troubleshooting DNA and RNA extraction from biological samples.
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related field and/or equivalent experience.
- Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Special Conditions
- Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
Safety Statement
All UCSC employees must know 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.
