Lab Assistant II (Limited Pool)

University of California, Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 37,332 - 44,978; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Background check

Job summary

University of California, Merced invites applicants for positions performing standard lab and field procedures under supervision. Duties include preparing samples, processing tissues, staining slides and maintaining supplies.

You will help ensure a safe, organized learning environment for student laboratories and assist in equipment setup and operation. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and 2 years of science coursework with lab experience, good organizational and interpersonal

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Two years of college with science courses and one year of lab experience or equivalent.
• Ability to organize workloads with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and stock labs.
• Demonstrated teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain database files and perform data entry.
• Word processing and basic computer skills on PC/Mac.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard repetitive laboratory and field procedures requiring technical knowledge at the lower-division level.
• Prepare samples for analyses, reagents, and media; process tissues and slides.
• Set up and maintain lab equipment; order, store and dispense supplies for student labs.
• Keep records and assist in staffing labs; ensure materials are available for classes.
• Assist in assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Data entry

Word processing

Laboratory equipment knowledge

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college with science courses and lab experience

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account Step 1: $27.10/hr - Step 5: $32.65/hr. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $27.10/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months. The position will close on 12/31/2026.

About the Job

Under supervision, incumbents perform one or more standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures that require technical scientific knowledge and skills expected at the college lower division level or equivalent experience. Technical assignments include duties such as preparing samples for radiochemical analyses, preparing complex reagents and media, processing serum from whole blood, preparing specimens for examination, preparing concentration specimens, removing fluids and preservatives by pipetting and using solvents, preparing smear and imprint impressions, processing and sectioning tissues, preparing and staining slides, grinding tissues for passage into host animals, and dissecting laboratory animals exposing tissues for examination.

Incumbents may, when in charge of laboratory equipment and supplies, keep records; maintain, order, store and dispense supplies for student laboratories; assure availability of materials used by students in laboratory classes; set up and maintain equipment such as fume hoods, fans, emergency lights, water drains and special fixtures; and assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

Qualifications

• High school or a General Education Diploma.
• Two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Skill to organize and prioritize a diversified workload with attention to detail and multiple deadlines.
• Responsible for maintaining clean and safe work environment and keeping laboratory stocked.
• Demonstrated ability to function efficiently and well in a team environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills to establish & maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated organizational skills for field/lab usage assignments and coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate database files.
• Perform word processing using Microsoft Word and data entry on PC and/or Mac.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment.

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/