Staff Research Associate II

SRA 2 NEX (009617)

UCPath Position ID: 40108484

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1131683

Approved Date:

7/24/2025 1:41:17 PM

Date Last Edited:

7/24/2025 1:41:14 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

5/15/2022

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

2400O

Organization:

UCLA FIELDING SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Division Code:

2410D

Division:

PUBLIC HEALTH DIV

Department:

193500 - EPIDEMIOLOGY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40108484

Position Description ID

166954

UC Payroll Title:

SRA 2 NEX (009617)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

0.8

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40045743

Reports to Payroll Title:

LAB RSCH SUPV 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40064387

Department Head Payroll Title:

SURVEY RESEARCHER SUPV 2

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for receipt, log-in and separation of blood for l MACS/WIHS Continue Cohort Study (MWCCS) and related studies. Isolate cells from whole blood by density gradient and centrifugation separate sera, plasma and Cryofreeze cells, sera, plasma, urine, Dried blood spot and record the location on hard copy and in computerized data base. Store samples in the freezers and maintain local repository, and ship appropriate samples to National Repository. Assist with other projects as needed.

Blood Lymphocyte Isolation

1. Organize receipt and log blood specimens delivered to lab.

2. Separate peripheral blood specimens using a Ficoll single density gradient to prepare mononuclear cells.

3. Count cells and adjust cell concentration

4. Label, aliquot and freeze separated cells.

55%

Blood Serum & Plasma Collection

1. Centrifuge blood clot and collect serum 2. Label, aliquot and freeze serum.

3. Centrifuge whole blood and collect plasma

4. Label, aliquot and freeze Plasma.

25%

Frozen Repository Maintenance

1. File cells, sera and plasma, urine and DBS for both local and national repositories 2. Maintain accurate and clear record of location of specimens (freezer, tier/shelf, box, grid) on hard copy grid and by computer entry.

3. Periodically ship specimens to national repository following national guidelines for shipment of hazardous goods.

4. Routinely retrieve and refile specimens as requested.

Routinely the Desiccant pack inside of the DBS pack checked and change when the indicator shows humidity.

5%

Quality Control & Lab Operation Support

1. Enroll in Immunology Quality Assessment for quarterly certification.

2. Check viability and recovery of frozen PBMCs weekly and record.

3. Oversee and perform quality control procedures on equipment at established time intervals to maintain standardized working order

4. Report any out-of-control results of laboratory problems to the Laboratory Supervisor. Initiate appropriate corrective action.

5. Disinfect areas of lab involved with the use of biohazardous materials or aseptic work in accordance with established procedures.

6. Perform work assignments as requested by Laboratory Supervisor or Project Manager.

5%

Manage and ship participant specimens

1. Using dry ice or liquid nitrogen, ship samples to a national repository for long term storage,

2. Assist in shipping specimens for requested samples.

3. Assist with the ordering of shipping materials.

4. Assist with the management and tracking of all shipments to and from the processing laboratory.

5%

Epigenetic Analysis

1. Using R or related statistical methods, organize, clean and prepare datasets for statistical analysis. 

2. Generate graphical representations of the data.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience organization and data handling

Required

Experience in aseptic techniques required for microbiology and lymphocyte culture.

Required

Experience in working as part of a team.

Required

Experience in listening skills to understand tasks and assignments.

Required

Experience in following, modifying and preparing laboratory protocols as appropriate.

Required

Experience in computing cell concentrations and other needed laboratory calculations.

Required

Experience in setting priorities which accurately reflect relative importance of tasks and responsibilities.

Required

Experience in effective interpersonal interactions with all research staff (technical and professional).

Required

Experience in accurate pipetting techniques.

Required

Working knowledge of solution separation.

Required

Working knowledge of laboratory safety procedures associated with processing human body fluids.

Required

Ability to write clearly and concisely laboratory data, notes and directions and to label stored specimens clearly and accurately.

Required

Ability to respond to necessary changes in schedules and workloads cooperatively.

Required

Ability to speak on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to a) obtain and convey information; b) discuss laboratory procedures.

Required

Ability to recognize problem situations and take appropriate action, including notification of appropriate personnel, if necessary.

Required

Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.

Required

Ability to work independently and solve problems without immediate supervision. Ability to enter repository location data in computer.

Required

Ability to move and hook up heavy liquid nitrogen tanks to freezers safely.

Required

Availability on Saturdays from 12-9 PM.

Required

Ability to code in R or other statistical programming language.

Preferred

Effectively operate the following equipment:

1. Microscope

2. Programmed Freezer

3. Centrifuges

4. Pipetting devices

5. Plate reader

6. Computer

7. Cell counters

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Location:

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 2: Position in which required tasks normally do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but may require performing unplanned Classification 1 tasks. In these jobs the normal work performance involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment.