Lab Assistant II (Limited Appointment)

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California, Los Angeles Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery is seeking a part-time Laboratory Assistant II to support research, including tissue collection, cryopreservation, processing, histology, and image analysis.

Responsibilities include maintaining cell cultures, preparing reagents, operating microscopes and imaging software, and ensuring lab safety and compliance with UCLA policies. This limited position may convert to a career opportunity.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Research laboratory experience

Tissue processing / histology

Cell culture

Immunostaining

Microscopy & imaging software

Lab safety & recordkeeping

Microsoft Office & data management

Communication & teamwork

UCLA training compliance

Equipment maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Microscopes

Cryostats

Imaging software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

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

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