Lab Assistant I (Limited Pool)

University of California, Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 37,250 - 44,510; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced invites applications for a laboratory support role in teaching and research laboratories. The position involves preparing media, reagents, and solutions, setting up demonstrations, preparing filters, and performing routine analyses while maintaining a clean, safe environment.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, plus lab experience or related coursework, strong organizational and teamwork skills, data entry ability, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Maintain clean and safe work environment and keep laboratory stocked.
• Team-oriented with demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate field/lab usage and assignments.
• Maintain accurate database files and records.
• Word processing using Microsoft Word and data entry on PC and/or Mac.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare standardized media, reagents and solutions for clinical, research or teaching use.
• Set up simple apparatus for classroom demonstrations or laboratory experiments.
• Prepare bacterial and viral filters and perform routine sugar analysis.
• Wash glassware using a mechanical dishwasher and manage cleaning steps.
• Clean and decontaminate radioactive glassware and equipment.
• Keep laboratory facilities clean and sanitary.

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The full salary range for this position is Step 1: $27.04/hr - Step 5: $32.31/hr. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $27.04/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re-apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 12/31/2026. Remote/Hybrid eligibility: dependent on openings. These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit UPTE: Technical - TX.

Responsibilities

Incumbents perform operational level work in a teaching or research laboratory requiring delicate manual or manipulative skills in a limited variety of tasks but not necessarily a thorough understanding of the principles involved. Duties include preparing standardized media, reagents and solutions from formulas for clinical, research or teaching use; setting up simple apparatus for classroom demonstration or laboratory experiments; preparing bacterial and viral filters; performing routine sugar analysis and preparing solutions; washing glassware using a mechanical dishwasher with responsibility for determining the number and sequence of steps in the cleaning process; cleaning and decontaminating radioactive glassware and equipment; keeping laboratory facilities clean and sanitary.

Qualifications

• High school or a General Education Diploma.
• 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; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Skill to organize and prioritize a diversified workload with attention to detail and multiple deadlines.
• Responsible for maintaining clean and safe work environment and keeping laboratory stocked.
• Demonstrated ability to function efficiently and well in a team environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated organizational skills for field / lab usage assignments and coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate database files.
• Perform word processing using Microsoft Word and data entry on PC and/or Mac.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment.

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Vaccination Program Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.