General Information
| Job Description | LAB AST 2 | Working Title | Laboratory Assistant 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Code | 009603 | Grade | |
| Department Name | Botany and Plant Sciences - D01047 | Department Head | Patricia Springer |
| Supervisor | Chandrika Ramadugu | Effective Date | 08/22/2022 |
Position(s) Directly Supervised
| Job Code | Title | FTE |
|---|
Department Custom Scope
| The Ramadugu lab is focused on developing citrus huanglongbing resistance through breeding. Under the direct supervision of the PI, Lab Assistant 2 is expected to assist in projects related to citrus breeding, molecular analysis of hybrid plants, metabolomics, and pathology experiments to understand the basis of resistance and identify markers associated with disease resistance. Management of various projects, handling standard instruments, data documentation, general lab maintenance, preparation of reagents, safety training and compliance, supervision of part-time undergraduate student workers, and ability to work cooperatively with the team is expected. This position is located off the main UCR campus at 1020 Marlborough Ave, Riverside, CA 92507. |
Education & Experience Requirements
Education Requirements
| Degree | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor?s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related science areas. | Preferred |
| Molecular biology and Microbiology course work | Preferred |
| Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. | Required |
Experience Requirements
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2 years of experience in a molecular biology laboratory. | Required |
| 1 year experience working with plant systems | Preferred |
License Requirements
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CA drivers license required for driving to experimental fields located on campus | Required |
Certification Requirements
| Certification | Requirement |
|---|
Educational Condition Requirements
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|
Key Responsibilities
| Description | % Time |
|---|---|
| Molecular Biology experiments: DNA extraction, RNA extraction, PCR. Handling plant samples, ability to follow instructions in using various commercial kits, use of PCR equipment, conducting qPCR assays, running agarose gels, handling common equipment like nanodrop, pH meter, tissue homogenizer, centrifuge, etc. is needed. Documentation of experiments conducted and ability to organize information is required. | 30 |
| Breeding work during spring, genotyping, maintain breeding records. With help from the PI, the lab assistant is expected to conduct breeding of citrus accessions and hybrids generated previously. Ability to manage a crew of 4-5 helpers and organize breeding activity is needed. Documentation of breeding data, collection of fruits, extraction of fruit juice and preparation of samples for metabolomic analysis is needed. | 30 |
| Data entry and basic analysis. Experience in using routinely used programs like excel, word and powerpoint are needed. Ability to maintain Access database is desirable. Ability to work cooperatively with the research team is required. Conducting plant inoculation experiments in a contained research facility in Riverside. | 20 |
| Laboratory maintenance and safety: Perform routine laboratory maintenance tasks, including cleaning common areas, train undergraduate students in routine tasks, maintain inventories, prepare stock solutions, assist with ordering. Other tasks as required. | 20 |
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
| Knowledge/Skill/Ability | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Good time management skills and adaptability to changing work priorities. Ability to troubleshoot. | Required |
| Excellent organizational skills. Attention to detail and lab safety. A strong work ethic. Effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrated knowledge of standard computer operating systems and software. | Required |
| Ability to demonstrate routine lab techniques to others in the group. | Required |
| Ability to work independently after initial training. Ability to troubleshoot. | Required |
| Willingness to work in the greenhouse. Interest in learning new techniques required for the project work. | Preferred |
Special Requirements & Conditions
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Valid Drivers License | Required |
Other Special Requirements & Conditions
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Level of Supervision Received
| General Supervision |
Environment
Working Environment
| Other University Setting |
Other Requirements
Items Used
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Physical Requirements
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Mental Requirements
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Environmental Requirements
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Critical Position
| Is Critical Position: No |