Facility
California Academy of Sciences
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
About the Opportunity
Under the supervision of the Director of the Center for Comparative Genomics, the Senior Laboratory Technician will: 1) manage the operation and general maintenance of the Center for Comparative Genomics, its activities and related equipment; 2) serve as CCG HAZMAT and Health & Safety monitor; 3) support the training of users of the core molecular laboratory; and 4) manage the Accounting and billing of the CCG Lab. We would like to fill the position as soon as possible (ideally in June), but flexible for a later start date.
Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.
We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.
This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices 4-5 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Some hybrid work-from-home opportunities are available. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including receiving a booster shot, as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy.
About the Center for Comparative Genomics Team
The Center for Comparative Genomics is the core genomic facility at the Academy. As a part of the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability, the CCG provides the research division with the resources, training, and expertise to prepare, sequence, and analyze genomics data. The CCG is central to each of the three major initiatives (Thriving California, Hope for Reefs, and Islands 2030) and other important research relevant to conservation and biodiversity.
Key Responsibilities
In this role you will be required to collaborate with Academy researchers and oversee the daily function of the CCG. General expectations and outline of duties are listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LAB MAINTENANCE
Prepare aliquots of reagents and stock solutions for general lab use
Stock lab consumables and maintain/track inventory (tubes, tips, etc.) for general lab use
Assist with operation maintenance of lab equipment
Assist with training students, visitors, and staff in molecular techniques
Trains new staff, students, and visitors when Director is unavailable
Assist with new user orientation
Handle HAZMAT Monitor duties for the CCG under supervision of the Director
Handle Health & Safety Monitor duties for the CCG under supervision of the Director
Takes on responsibilities if Lab Manager or Director is unavailable and is required to
MOLECULAR WORK
DNA and RNA extraction
Library preparation (Sanger, NGS etc.)
Assist with data collection for grant deliverables as needed and under supervision of the Director
COMPUTER WORK
Mange accounting and billing of the CCG lab records and check accounting reports
Order new consumables, supplies, equipment, and sequencing requests as needed with Director’s approval and supervision
Bill lab users (in-house, out-of-house, and visiting researchers) for reagents and consumables under supervision of the Director
Maintain database to manage and oversee purchasing
Oversee administrative duties for the Department, including preparing and maintaining financial records, reserving rooms as needed for workshops and presentations, answering online inquiries about the lab and volunteer/intern opportunities
COLLECTION WORK
Assist with chemical inventory, frozen and refrigerated DNA collections
Assist with database management and data submission to public databases (GenBank, etc.)
Assist with collection duties as needed – cryogenic collections and database management
OTHER WORK
Follow all Academy safety regulations
Other job-related duties as assigned
Qualifications
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or equivalent, Master’s preferred
Minimum two years’ experience in Sanger and/or NGS laboratory protocols is highly preferred.
Experience in second and third-generation sequencing techniques and protocols preferred
Able to work independently with minimal supervision/training on specific techniques
Experience working with museum or research specimens preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) and a strong background in science communication with diverse audiences`
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong interest in biodiversity and ability to communicate that passion
Good communication and organizational skills
Ability to perform standard PCR and DNA sequencing lab work
Familiarity with second and third generation sequencing techniques
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, perform repetitive work, and demonstrate attention to detail
Experience using relevant DNA analysis programs, Google Suite, and MS Office
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
Committed to working on a team that is striving to be anti-racist in work, interactions, systems, and tools
Ability to work independently and as a member of interdisciplinary teams on cross-cutting issues
Physical Environment:
Ability to lift 30 lbs.
Ability to perform repetitive motions 20% of the time
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Compensation and Benefits
Hourly hiring range: $30.00-$32.00 per hour. Hourly rate will vary based on experience and relevant skills/knowledge set. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits.
Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on May 11, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please upload your resume and complete the brief online application
The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).
The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity, status, and gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice including religious dress or grooming practices), reproductive health decision-making, marital or domestic partner status, age, place of birth, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, height or weight, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.
Education and Pre-requisites
Not specified.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Hourly hiring range: $30.00-$32.00 per hour. Hourly rate will vary based on experience and relevant skills/knowledge set. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits.
Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
Application instructions
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please upload your resume and complete the brief online application on our careers page: https://californiaacademyofsciences.applytojob.com/apply/awcUunTO87/Senior-Lab-Technician-Center-For-Comparative-Genomics?source=AAZK