Laboratory Supervisor

SUMMARY

The Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Laboratory (VRDL) seeks a candidate that will be responsible for supervising laboratory staff and for daily operations in the COVIDNet laboratory of the VRDL in support of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic and surveillance testing. The staff perform essential laboratory duties such as nucleic acid extraction, specimen tracking using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for respiratory virus testing, and use of robotics, specifically SARS-CoV-2. Additional duties of the COVIDNet Supervisor include support of sequencing efforts for sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 for COVIDNet. Coordinating and working with other leaders in the VRDL is mandatory. This position is in Richmond, CA.

Must submit a resume with the application.

Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.

This position requires completion of essential functions in the laboratory/office during business hours, Monday – Friday.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise daily activities of COVIDNet laboratory staff.
• Maintain reagents, develop and update protocols and quality control procedures.
• Follow safety and quality control procedures in the handling of hazardous biological and chemical materials, and in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents.
• Collaborate with section supervisors and management on specimen testing workflow improvements for VRDL
• Use of Microsoft Word suite programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous laboratory experience (2 years minimum) required
• Previous supervisory experience preferred
• Experience with operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment including extraction platforms and PCR thermocyclers
• Previous experience with manual and automated extraction methods and molecular (PCR; sequencing) techniques is required
• Attention to detail and application of laboratory safety practices
• Strong organizing and communication skills
• Familiarity with:
  • Laboratory workspaces, sterile technique, and microbiological concepts
  • Standard precautions for working with potential infectious clinical specimens
  • Supervisory methods and practices

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, with course work in chemistry, microbiology, virology, and/or molecular biology is required.
• Laboratory experience (2 years minimum) required.
• One to three years of supervisory experience, preferred.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Possession of Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) certification or eligible for PHM training is preferred but not required.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand                                   Frequently
• Walk                                    Frequently
• Sit                                        Frequently
• Handling / Fingering           Occasionally
• Reach Outward                    Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder        Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend   Occasionally
• Lift / Carry                           Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• Push/Pull                             Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• See                                      Constantly
• Taste/ Smell                         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 setting, indoors, temperature controlled.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.