Lab Assistant 3

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus is seeking a motivated Lab Assistant III to join an innovative research laboratory. The role focuses on mammalian in situ hybridization, confocal and wide-field fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, cloning and nucleic acid preparation, with emphasis on meticulous record-keeping and equipment maintenance.

Under supervision, you will gain hands-on training in advanced molecular techniques, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years of experience in a research laboratory (Required).
• Technical knowledge of molecular biology and cell biology techniques (Preferred).
• Direct research experience in molecular/synthetic/developmental biology or genome engineering (Preferred).
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy including live and fixed cells (Preferred).
• Ability to record and report results with clarity in notebooks and figures (Required).
• Persistence and troubleshooting of technical challenges (Required).
• Motivation to learn and master new methods (Required).
• Excellent communication skills for professional interaction (Required).
• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field (Preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist with mammalian in situ hybridization and microscopy workflows.
• Support cell culture, cloning, nucleic acid prep, and DNA/RNA work.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies and records.
• Collaborate with lab members and collaborators to complete experiments.
• Keep up-to-date records and notebooks for project milestones.

Skills

Lab experience

Fluorescence microscopy

Documentation

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

Learning mindset

Cell culture

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Molecular cloning

PCR

Nucleic acid purification

Mammalian cell culture

Transfection

Fluorescence microscopy

Job description

Department Summary

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Lab Asst III will assist with laboratory procedures such as mammalian in situ hybridization, confocal and wide-field fluorescence microscopy of focused samples and live cells, and maintenance of cell lines, cloning, and preparation of DNA and RNA, maintenance of laboratory equipment, supplies and records. the incumbent will work closely with lab members and collaborators in completing experiments and keeping up-to-date records.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Lab Assistant III to join an innovative research laboratory at the intersection of synthetic biology, developmental biology, genome engineering, and quantitative imaging. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research focused on understanding cell signaling, gene expression, and cell fate decisions at the single-cell level.

Working in a state-of-the-art laboratory under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will assist with a variety of molecular and cell biology techniques, including cell culture, molecular cloning, microscopy, nucleic acid preparation, and laboratory operations. The position offers hands-on training in advanced methods while providing significant opportunities for independent work and professional growth.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, reliable, and highly motivated individual with research laboratory experience, strong organizational skills, and a passion for learning new techniques. Candidates with experience in molecular biology, cell biology, fluorescence microscopy, synthetic biology, developmental biology, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common.

Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years of experience in a research laboratory (can include substantial undergraduate research or thesis work) (Required)
• Technical knowledge of molecular biology (e.g. molecular clonng, PCR, nudeic acid purification and cell biology techniques (e.g. mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, transfection, microscopy) (Preferred)
• Direct research experience involving molecular biology, synthetic biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, genome engineering, or cell signaling (Preferred)
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, including live cells and fixed cells imaging, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and/or flow cytometry. (Preferred)
• Ability to record and report results with clarity, including maintenance of laboratory notebooks and preparition of basic figures, graphs and tables. (Required)
• Persistence, attention to detail, and willingness to troubleshoot technical challenges. (Required)
• Motivation to learn and master new methods and techniques (Required)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff and with external contacts in a fast-paced environment (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Union/Policy Covered

TX-Systemwide Technical