Lab Assistant II (Limited Appointment)

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles, CA, is seeking a part-time Laboratory Assistant II to support orthopedic research. The role focuses on skeletal muscle dysfunction, musculoskeletal regeneration, fibrosis, cerebral palsy, and related neuromuscular disorders, with duties spanning tissue collection, cryopreservation, processing, and histology.

Responsibilities include immunostaining, microscopy, image analysis, cell culture maintenance, reagent prep, equipment and inventory management, safety

Qualifications

• Experience in a research laboratory environment.
• Experience with tissue processing, histology, cell culture, immunostaining, or related laboratory techniques.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including microscopes, cryostats, and imaging software.
• Knowledge of standard biochemical laboratory procedures and laboratory best practices.
• Knowledge of mammalian tissue culture techniques and preparation of laboratory best practices.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and the handling and disposal of biological and chemical materials.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and inventory.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic data management tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tissue collection, cryopreservation, processing, and histology.
• Perform immunostaining, microscopy, image analysis, and quantitative image analysis.
• Support studies related to stem cells and musculoskeletal regeneration.
• Maintain mammalian tissue cultures and prepare reagents, buffers, and solutions.
• Organize and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, records, and inventory.
• Coordinate and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, records, and inventory.
• Coordinate laboratory maintenance activities, equipment servicing, procurement, and installation.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and proper handling and disposal of biological and chemical materials.
• Assist with research data organization, quality control, analysis, and record management.
• Support preparation of research reports, scientific presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials.

Skills

Tissue processing

Histology

Immunostaining

Cell culture

Microscopy

Data management

Safety compliance

Record keeping

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/related field

Tools

Cryostats

Imaging software

Microscopes

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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Onsite or Remote

Flexible Hybrid

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM

Posted Date

09/16/2026

Salary Range: $27.54 - 33.13 Hourly

Employment Type

4 - Staff: Limited

Duration

11 months

Job #

32663

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery is seeking a part-time Laboratory Assistant II to support research in our laboratory. The laboratory focuses on skeletal muscle dysfunction, musculoskeletal regeneration, fibrosis, cerebral palsy, and related neuromuscular disorders. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist with human muscle and small animal tissue research, including tissue collection, cryopreservation, processing, and histological analyses
• Perform immunostaining procedures, microscopy, image acquisition, and quantitative image analysis
• Support studies related to stem cells and musculoskeletal regeneration
• Maintain mammalian tissue and cell cultures and prepare laboratory reagents, chemical solutions, and buffers
• Organize and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, records, and inventory
• Coordinate and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, records, and inventory
• Coordinate laboratory maintenance activities, equipment servicing, procurement, and installation
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and proper handling and disposal of biological and chemical materials
• Assist with research data organization, quality control, analysis, and record management
• Support preparation of research reports, scientific presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials

Please note: this is a limited position that may convert to career Salary range: $27.54/hr - $33.13/hr

Job Qualifications

Required Experience working in a research laboratory environment Experience with tissue processing, histology, cell culture, immunostaining, or related laboratory techniques Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including microscopes, cryostats, and imaging software Knowledge of standard biochemical laboratory procedures and laboratory best practices Knowledge of mammalian tissue culture techniques and preparation of laboratory best practices Working knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and the handling and disposal of biological and chemical materials Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and inventory Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic data management tools Ability to complete all required UCLA research and safety training Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related scientific field

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.