Lab Assistant I, Neurosciences - 141242

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Lab Assistant to perform operational tasks in a research laboratory studying neurodegenerative diseases. You will support mouse models, cell biology, imaging, and biochemical experiments under supervision.

The role includes maintaining mouse lines, histology, dissections, and culture, recording data, and helping prepare manuscripts. Expect diverse techniques, protocol changes as needed, and collaboration in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Graduation from college or a GED and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college with science courses.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques including CRISPR and fluorescence microscopy.
• Ability to assist with aseptic and tissue culture techniques.
• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Willingness to handle chemical and biohazard materials.
• Ability to read, comprehend, discuss, and present research materials.
• Ability to follow written/verbal protocols and maintain organized records.

Responsibilities

• Perform operation in a research lab with delicate manual tasks.
• Assist with mouse models, cell biology, imaging, biochemical, and neuropathology techniques.
• Maintain mouse lines, perform surgeries, histology, and dissections.
• Conduct primary culture and standard cell biology/biochemical experiments.
• Record data accurately and aid in preparing publications.
• Troubleshoot experiments and modify protocols as needed.
• Maintain lab equipment and prepare reagents; manage inventory.
• Attend and present data at lab meetings.

Skills

CRISPR techniques

Fluorescence microscopy

Tissue culture

Molecular biology

Data recording

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in sciences

Tools

Centrifuges

Spectrophotometers

pH meters

Electrophoresis equipment

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 9/7/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Lab Assistant perform operational level work in a research laboratory requiring delicate manual or manipulative skills in a limited variety of tasks. Assist with utilize mouse model, cell biology, imaging, biochemical and neuropathology techniques for the study of mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The Lab Assistant assist in performing standardized maintenance of normal and transgenic mouse lines, mouse surgeries, histology experiments, mouse brain dissections, primary culture, perform standard cell biology and biochemical experiments, and learn and assist with other techniques. Responsible for detailed observations, accurate recording of data, learning to determine rational assessments of experimental outcomes for potential scientific publications, troubleshooting experiments and assist in making changes to protocols as needed. Other important duties include general laboratory maintenance, prepare reagents and solutions, maintain inventory on reagents and other supplies, and attend and present data at laboratory meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from college 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.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques under supervision, including CRISPR and fluorescence microscopy.
• Ability to assist with basic aseptic and tissue culture techniques.
• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Willingness to become familiar with proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials.
• Ability to read, comprehend, discuss, and present research materials.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols, techniques, and instructions and to keep organized and accurate records and notebooks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills over a wide range of situations and individuals needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population.
• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Organizational skills to maintain lab reagents and supplies.
• Ability to interact professionally, cooperatively, and respectfully with colleagues and laboratory team members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in biology.
• Two years of wet lab research experience.
• Proficient in cell cultures, rodent husbandry and colony maintenance.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Willing to work with animals in a humane manner and in a research related work environment.
• Must be available to work some weekends and evenings to complete experiments.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $56,460 - $67,463 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.04 - $32.31

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).