Lab Assistant

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

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%.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

70

Yes

Under direct supervision, checking and confirming hair samples, measuring the appropriate length of hair at the Sponsor’s request to analyze, cutting the hair sample, and further cutting the hair sample into smaller pieces in a vial; weighing the appropriate amount of the cut hair per the analysis method into a test tube; and calibrating the balances.

30

Yes Under direct supervision, additional duties include (but are not limited to):

• Utilizing the laboratory information management system (LDMS) for specimen tracking and inventory storage to log in samples received by the lab or checking/verifying the samples manually if the sending lab does not use LDMS; communicating with the laboratory coordinator to reconcile any study sample discrepancies upon sample log-in and storing samples in the appropriate cabinet.
• Daily checking and/or weekly printing and filing of the iMonnit freezer/refrigerator charts and documenting in the log book.
• -Aiding in putting away supplies and equipment; fixing laboratory equipment; calibrating micropipettes and equipment; deicing and cleaning of refrigerators/freezers; changing and recharging desiccant for the desiccators, which requires N95 respirator mask FIT testing and medical clearance; organizing supplies and stored hair samples; counting tenofovir urine immunoassay kits received by the lab and sending to other labs; preparing SeroPrEP test kits; placing documents in appropriate binders/folders, if requested; and completing annual laboratory and chemical inventory.
• Submitting weekly updates to the HAL Laboratory Director, QA Director, HAL team, and PI, if required; helping with updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); and scanning/copying lab books, log books, documents for duplication, archiving, and electronic data.

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9\.

The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Qualifications

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