Laboratory Animal Caretaker Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

Without supervision, consult on clinical cases with referring veterinary clinicians, owners and animal managers, providing information and guidance as to appropriate sample collection in the clinic or field, sample handling and shipping, advising on which clinical tests are most valuable depending on the clinical presentation of a variety of different animal species, referring clients to the Director/supervisor when necessary.

Provide technical and organizational support for a fast-paced clinical laboratory measuring reproductive steroid and protein hormones on a fee for service basis using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (EIA). Organize clinical sample handling and database management of patient information, collection of fees, communication with a variety of veterinary clients and performing measurement assays according to established protocols with strict attention to detail. Advise veterinarians and owners on the results of analyses of submitted clinical cases. Stock supplies, maintain laboratory equipment, prepare reagents and keep current on required laboratory safety and training documentation. Full time career position in small reference laboratory running tests for reproductive hormones for research and veterinary professionals.

Apply By Date June 24, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology.
• Minimum of six months of experience working in a clinical endocrinology laboratory using laboratory equipment, including pipettes, centrifuges, balances, and pH meters.
• Experience in laboratory techniques such as centrifugation, preparing solutions and dilutions, using chemical calculations for solution making, pH determination using a meter and following laboratory procedures/protocols.
• Experience with steroid hormone immunoassays and use of primary antibodies for steroid detection, including R4859 and R522.2.
• Working knowledge and experience (>6 months) with hormone extraction, commercial ELISA kits, including direct experience with Equine AMH ELISA and Equine/Canine/Mouse Inhibin B ELISA, in addition to other immunoassay platforms.
• Be in accordance with Credit Card Compliance standards and maintain pleasant demeanor when working with difficult clients.
• Work in Biological, Chemical Sciences, horses/equine husbandry or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of chemicals and safe handling procedures related to Environmental Health & Safety regulations while consistently following Standard Operating Procedures and keep accurate records.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Fluorescence Microscopy and Spectramax ABS.
• Experience handling credit card transactions and electronic payment systems.
• Experience communicating and consulting with equine practitioners regarding clinical cases and diagnostic testing.
• Experience communicating and consulting with small animal practitioners regarding clinical cases and diagnostic testing.
• Experience with website maintenance and online content management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 60% - Laboratory
• 40% - Organizational and Miscellaneous Lab Duties

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Population Health and Reproduction is an interdisciplinary department, comprised of faculty with expertise in a variety of academic and clinical fields whose common focus is on the population as the unit of scientific interest. The Department's focus is on teaching and research programs dedicated to improving a safe and economical food supply from animal origins; the gathering and dissemination of information that can lead to enhanced animal and human health and enhanced animal production; and the management of natural resources for animal and public good. The faculty promote the development of scientists who are sensitive to the interactions of individuals with populations and of populations with their environment. Basic instruction and research will occur in the sciences of microbial populations, reproductive biology, analytical epidemiology, pathobiology, and domestic animal genetics. In addition, the faculty also provide applied research and instruction in these areas, and in the areas of production animal health/medicine, clinical veterinary epidemiology, veterinary reproductive health, veterinary public health and food safety, and information science for veterinarians.

Provide technical, administrative, and client support for the Clinical Endocrinology Laboratory within the Department of Population Health and Reproduction. Responsibilities include coordination of clinical sample submission and processing, communication with veterinarians and animal owners regarding reproductive hormone testing, performance of laboratory assays according to established protocols, maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies, data entry and record management, and support of laboratory operations serving veterinary clinicians, researchers, and animal industries.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $37.75/hr. - $46.92/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: HOSP LAB TCHN 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: EX - Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

BENEFITS

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A CULTURE OF OPPORTUNITY AND BELONGING

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role—or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks