Lab Assistant II, Neurosciences

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Lab Assistant II in the Neurosciences department to support cutting-edge research on aging and neurodegenerative diseases using patient-derived human neuron models.

Under supervision, you will assist with experiments, prepare reagents, and maintain records. You will also perform confocal/live-cell imaging and generate metabolic datasets to characterize molecular phenotypes of neuronal degeneration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with two years lab experience or two years of college with science courses and one year of lab experience.
• Theoretical background in human neural cell culture models and practical experience with neural reprogramming and live-cell imaging.
• Ability to follow basic research protocols and instructions closely.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to non-standard procedures.
• Strong communication skills and ability to document work clearly.
• Knowledge of lab safety and handling of potentially hazardous agents.
• Familiarity with cellular neurobiology terminology and data handling.
• Experience with Word, Prism, microscopy software, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory experiments and maintain reagents, media, and supplies.
• Organize samples, aliquot materials, and maintain accurate lab records.
• Conduct confocal and live-cell imaging and analyze metabolic datasets.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to align workflows with project goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Live-cell imaging

Molecular cloning

Data analysis

Excel

Prism

Word

Cell culture

Education

High school diploma or GED with two years lab experience or two years of college with science courses

Tools

Specialized microscopy software

Job description

Payroll Title: LAB AST 2

Department: Neurosciences

Hiring Pay Scale: $27.54 / Hour

Worksite: La Jolla

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: TX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday

#141392 Lab Assistant II, Neurosciences

Filing Deadline: Wed 10/7/2026

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Neurosciences is a leading clinical-academic department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is comprised of more than 130 faculty members. The Department’s mission is to create the synergies and define the ideas and programs that will allow us to transform the way our neurosciences community discovers, teaches and cares for patients. We strive to conduct cutting-edge science and research and train the next generation of neurologists and researchers by fostering education at all levels and integrating the latest scientific and medical advances into the curriculum.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager, the incumbent will serve as a Lab Assistant in a cutting-edge Neurosciences laboratory dedicated to modeling human brain aging and neuro-degenerative diseases. The focus of the research is on the molecular biology relevant to aging and neuro-degeneration in human neurons. The Lab Assistant II assist with laboratory procedures using patient-derived human cell models to investigate disease mechanisms. Key responsibilities include Assisting with laboratory experiments, preparing and maintain regents, media and supplies, organizing samples, aliquoting materials and maintain accurate laboratory records. Conduct confocal microscopy imaging including live cell imaging assays, molecular biology assays, and generate and analyze metabolic datasets to elucidate molecular phenotypes associated with neuronal degeneration. Closely collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure seamless integration of experimental workflows aligned with project goals in neuro-degenerative disease modeling and therapeutic discovery. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and 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; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Theoretical background in application of human neural cell culture models in biomedical sciences, and strong practical experience with human neural reprogramming, live-cell fluorescent imaging, and molecular cloning, and advanced cellular assays such as fluorescence recovery after photobleaching.
• Ability to follow basic research protocols and follow instructions closely.
• Ability to perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures involving molecular cloning, human cell culture and reprograming experiments. Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and tasks.
• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and superiors, with demonstrated skill in asking questions and advising of problems, via effective use of email, public/shared Google docs, and/or meeting schedules.
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work carefully with potentially harmful agents.
• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology and familiar with those associated with cellular neurobiology.
• Ability to perform accurate record keeping and organize and calculate data. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.
• Experience with data analysis and software applications such as Word, Prism, specialized microscopy software, and Excel.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Willingness to work evenings and weekends, if necessary. Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $57,504 - $69,175 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.54 - $33.13

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).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, lifesupport certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or 'bench-to-bedside' research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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 status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace