Research Associate (VRDL)

Heluna Health•Richmond, CA

2h•$29 - $36•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor of the Data, Testing, Epidemiology and Quality Support (DTEQS) Section, the Research Associate (RA) will assist in the management of patient records and specimens submitted for testing to the Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Laboratory (VRDL). The primary responsibilities of this position will include coordinating diagnostic and surveillance testing and next-generation sequencing of novel (avian) influenza, hantaviruses, rabies and other respiratory and zoonotic viruses, rickettsia, and free living amoeba; reporting of test results, laboratory and patient data management, analysis, and visualization; outbreak support and coordination of genomic epidemiology of support for these viruses; coordination of laboratory networks and shipping of infectious materials to partner laboratories; and serving as a liaison between VRDL and its stakeholders including epidemiologists and other public health laboratories. The RA may also perform basic/limited laboratory duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Incumbent must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with public health and healthcare professionals, and other CDPH employees.
Possesses analytical and problem-solving skills.
Completes assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
Adheres to departmental policies and procedures regarding attendance, leave, and conduct.
Proficiency with MS Excel; experience with database programs such as MS Access and knowledge of statistical analysis preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in public health, biological sciences, or related field, required
Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Power Point
Strong organizational and communication skills
Possesses keen attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working or volunteering in a public health setting, preferred
experience with database programs such as MS Access and knowledge of statistical analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as a liaison between VRDL and its partners and stakeholders to obtain, retrieve, and maintain epidemiological information for patient and specimen tracking.
Communicates VRDL services to local, state, and national partners, including maintaining the VRDL public-facing website and coordinating partner meetings for surveillance projects.
Use databases such as StarLIMS and Access for data entry, locating patient information, routing samples for testing, and tracking pending samples
Perform data extraction, cleaning, analysis, and visualization for VRDL leadership and stakeholders using various laboratory and public health data sources including StarLIMS, CalREDIE, and Snowflake.
Perform regular quality assurance (QA) audits and participate in VRDL’s quality improvement program
Reviews laboratory results for accuracy and completeness, reports results to submitters, and answers questions about appropriate specimen type(s) to submit and the method of packaging and transport.
Preparing specimens and shipping documents for send out to partners and provide guidance on shipping infectious materials in compliance with international and domestic regulations.
Prepares and presents summary reports and updates to internal staff, CDPH partners, and stakeholders.
Coordinate communications and testing for enhanced surveillance projects.
Perform routing technical and non-technical laboratory procedures for processing specimens, including receiving and organizing the storage of specimens.
Perform other duties as directed by the DTEQS supervisor in the office and laboratory setting.