Hybrid Lab Assistant — Neuroscience & Psychedelic Research

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSD Health in San Diego is seeking a Lab Assistant to support data collection for ongoing studies examining psychedelics and mindfulness on health. The role involves assisting with psychophysical methods, brain imaging, and protocol adherence in a busy research setting.

The position requires lab experience, knowledge of safety procedures, and strong data management skills. It offers a hybrid schedule with on-site responsibilities in La Jolla and remote work flexibility where feasible.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, human biology, and pre-medicine.
• Knowledge of safe human testing procedures (CITI training; experience with IRB).
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Knowledge of personal computer programs including word processing, basic computer coding, SPSS, Word, Excel, and Unix.
• Ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.
• Must be able to work effectively with human volunteers and patients.
• Requires a thorough understanding of laboratory principles including knowledge of safe laboratory process and procedures. Familiarity with specimen processing, labeling, centrifugation, and sample storage according to biosafety and regulatory standards.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to establish trust and rapport with participants and respond with sensitivity and awareness to participant needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to maintain accurate documentations and records.
• Demonstrates the ability to assist with participant recruitment, including prescreening and scheduling.
• Experience with data collection, entry, or database management in REDCap or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• The Lab Assistant will assist with basic laboratory operations, organize, work with healthy and chronic pain patients assisting with psychophysical, brain imaging, and pharmacologic studies as directed.
• Assigned duties and responsibilities include routine laboratory maintenance, assisting with psychological and psychophysical methodologies.
• Lab Assistant will assist with adhering to IRB protocols, collect human data, and assist with behavioral interventions ensuring accurate collection of data.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ability to follow procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college with science courses

Tools

SPSS

REDCap

Excel

Unix

Word

Job description

UCSD Health in San Diego is seeking a Lab Assistant to support data collection for ongoing studies examining psychedelics and mindfulness on health. The role involves assisting with psychophysical methods, brain imaging, and protocol adherence in a busy research setting.

The position requires lab experience, knowledge of safety procedures, and strong data management skills. It offers a hybrid schedule with on-site responsibilities in La Jolla and remote work flexibility where feasible.