Lab Assistant I, Neurosciences - 142054

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattree Lab in UC San Diego's Department of Neurosciences is seeking a Laboratory Assistant I to support mouse behavioral, imaging, histological, and molecular procedures and help manage day-to-day laboratory operations.

Under the PI's supervision, you will establish organized records, inventories, and experimental workflows. Training will be provided, with responsibilities matched to demonstrated skills and close collaboration with the PI and mentors.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED and 1 year of lab experience or 2 years of college with science courses.
• Foundational knowledge in biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• Willingness to learn lab techniques under supervision and work with mice per approved protocols and animal welfare requirements.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain accurate records/notebooks.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail; manage samples, supplies, and experimental schedules.
• Strong communication and teamwork; discuss results and seek guidance when unclear.
• Basic computer skills for recording data and using lab software; willingness to learn lab software.

Responsibilities

• Assist with established mouse behavioral, surgical, imaging, histological, and molecular procedures.
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations and help establish organized records, inventories, and workflows.
• Receive training in lab-specific techniques; responsibilities matched to demonstrated skills.
• Interact closely with the PI and mentors to discuss research findings and connect circuit neuroscience with clinical neurology questions.

Skills

Following instructions

Record-keeping

Organizational skills

Communication

Computer basics

Education

High school diploma or GED / some college in sciences

Job description

DESCRIPTION

The Chattree Lab in UC San Diego's Department of Neurosciences studies how brain cell types and circuits contribute to movement and cognition in Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders, with the goal of developing more precise therapies. Led by Gaurav Chattree, MD, a movement-disorders neurologist and physician-scientist, the lab combines mouse behavior, optical imaging, targeted circuit manipulation, and molecular analysis of brain tissue.

Under the PI's supervision, the Laboratory Assistant I assists with established mouse behavioral, surgical, imaging, histological, and molecular procedures and supports day-to-day laboratory operations. As an early lab member, the assistant helps establish organized records, inventories, and experimental workflows. Training will be provided in lab-specific techniques, with responsibilities matched to demonstrated skills. Applicants do not need experience in every method. The role includes close interaction with the PI, discussion of research findings, and mentorship connecting circuit neuroscience with questions arising in clinical neurology.

MINIMUM 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, with the knowledge and abilities essential to the assigned duties.
• Foundational knowledge of biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline through coursework, training, or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to learn laboratory techniques under supervision and work with mice in accordance with approved protocols and animal-welfare requirements.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, carry out established procedures carefully, and maintain accurate records and notebooks.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage samples, supplies, and experimental schedules.
• Ability to communicate clearly, work cooperatively with others, discuss research results, and seek guidance when procedures or results are unclear.
• Basic computer skills for recording data, organizing files, and using spreadsheets; willingness to learn laboratory software and safe equipment handling.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with laboratory organization, inventory, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, or research-protocol documentation.
• Prior experience with mouse handling strongly preferred, colony maintenance, genotyping, or behavioral experiments. Candidates with strong potential who require additional training will also be considered.
• Experience assisting with stereotaxic surgery, viral injections, cranial windows, or postoperative animal care.
• Experience with histology, immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, or in situ hybridization.
• Experience with calcium imaging, two-photon microscopy, or basic analysis of imaging or behavioral data, including Python or MATLAB.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work with mice and biological materials under approved protocols and complete required animal-research and laboratory safety training.
• Must be available for occasional evening or weekend work to meet animal-care and experimental needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

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).