Lab Assistant I - Neurology (Limited)

University of California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles is seeking a Lab Assistant to maintain neuronal cell cultures, conduct experiments with small-molecule drug candidates, and perform cytotoxicity and immunocytochemistry assays. You will analyze data, keep detailed notes, and report to the PI/postdoc.

The role includes ordering supplies, maintaining hoods and incubators, and collaborating with team members while staying current with scientific literature. This is a limited position with potential to convert to career.

Qualifications

• Prepare tissue-culture media and reagents accurately.
• Culture cells while preventing contamination.
• Count cells and plate in 96-well plates.
• Differentiate cells into neuronal phenotypes.
• Prepare solutions of small-molecule candidates and controls.
• Add compounds gently to neurons without disruption.
• Measure cytotoxicity with chromogenic/fluorogenic assays.
• Tabulate and present results clearly to PI and postdoc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and GraphPad.
• Maintain inventory of lab equipment, supplies, and cells.
• Experience with neurological diseases.
• Excellent verbal and written English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain neuronal cell cultures and conduct related experiments.
• Treat cells with small-molecule candidates and assess cytotoxicity.
• Perform immunocytochemistry experiments and data analysis.
• Maintain detailed lab notes and report findings to PI/postdoc.
• Order supplies and manage tissue-culture hoods and incubators.
• Communicate with team members and participate in group meetings.
• Keep up with relevant scientific literature.
• Limited position that may convert to career.

Skills

Tissue culture

Aseptic technique

96-well plate handling

Neuronal differentiation

Small-molecule preparation

Gentle compound addition

Cytotoxicity assays

Data presentation

Microsoft Office

GraphPad proficiency

Inventory management

Neuro disease knowledge

English communication

Education

B.S./B.A. in biology/biochemistry/neuroscience

Tools

GraphPad

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Under the general supervision of the principal investigator and a postdoctoral fellow, the Lab Assistant will maintain neuronal cell cultures, conduct experiments treating cells with small-molecule drug candidates, perform cytotoxicity and immunocytochemistry experiments, analyze the data, maintain detailed lab notes, and report to the postdoc and the PI. The Lab Assistant will also be responsible for ordering the necessary supplies, helping maintain tissue-culture hoods and incubators, communicating with members of the team, keeping up with the relevant scientific literature, and participating in group meetings.

This is a limited position that may convert to career.

Salary Range: $27.04 - $32.31 Hourly

Qualifications

Required:

• Ability to accurately prepare tissue-culture media and reagents
• Ability to culture cells and avoid contamination
• Ability to count cells and plate in 96-well plates
• Ability to differentiate cells into a neuronal phenotype
• Ability to accurately prepare solutions of small-molecule drug candidates and negative-control solutions
• Ability to add compounds gently to cultured neurons without disrupting the neurons.
• Ability to measure cytotoxicity using chromogenic or fluorogenic assays.
• Ability to tabulate results accurately and present them verbally in a comprehensive presentation to the postdoctoral fellow and principal investigator
• Macintosh skills and experience with Microsoft Office software, and GraphPad programs
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment, supplies, and cells to maintain inventory and stock
• Experience with neurologic diseases
• Excellent verbal and written English skills

Prefered:

• B.S. or B.A. in biology/biochemistry/Neuroscience