Lab Assistant II - Psychiatry - 141416

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California San Diego invites applications for Lab Assistant II in Psychiatry. This part-time, 40% appointment supports researchers on brain, addiction and development studies, performing data collection, specimen handling, and coordination of study activities.

The position requires attention to detail, strong organizational and communication skills, and ability to maintain participant confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED with lab experience.
• Two years of college including psychology courses and one year lab experience.
• Experience with data entry and maintaining confidentiality of participant information.
• Experience with administering neurocognitive and behavioral assessments.
• Experience using REDCap for surveys and data collection.
• Experience with clinical populations, including substance use disorder.

Responsibilities

• Assist PIs with data collection and neurocognitive measures.
• Collect biological specimens (saliva, urine, hair).
• Assist with neuroimaging data acquisition.
• Recruit participants and obtain informed assent/consent.
• Enter and verify study data; schedule study appointments and facilities.
• Maintain equipment and prepare data collection forms and correspondence.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Data entry

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college with psychology courses

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe PDF

REDCap

Job description

Payroll Title: LAB AST 2

Department: PSYCHIATRY/Substance Abuse

Hiring Pay Scale $27.54 - $33.13 / Hour

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Limited Appointment

Appointment Percent: 40%

Union: TX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, Variable

#141416 Lab Assistant II - Psychiatry

Filing Deadline: Wed 9/30/2026

This position is a part-time limited position with the possibility of extension/career conversion.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments of psychiatry in the country with cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering challenging career opportunities with potential for growth and a dynamic learning environment to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will assist the PIs on studies investigating brain, addiction, and development within the Department of Psychiatry. Primary responsibilities include assisting with data collection, administering behavioral and neurocognitive measures; collecting biological specimens including saliva, urine, and hair; and assisting with neuroimaging acquisition. Duties also include recruitment, obtaining informed assent/consent on participants; entering and verifying study data; and scheduling study appointment and research facilities. General lab assistance duties may include maintaining equipment and supplies and preparing data collection forms and various correspondence. Assist with other tasks as needed.

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 Psychology or related field and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous lab experience in a research setting.

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality of participant information with working knowledge of mandated reporting procedures.

• Ability to prioritize workload and work independently and seek guidance or information when appropriate.

• Strong basic computer skills such as word processing and data entry, as well as experienceusing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe PDF.

• Proven effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in English.

• Experience assisting with administering neurocognitive and behavioral assessments.

• Experience assisting with administering the structural clinical interview, substance use assessments, and NIH-Toolbox.

• Experience setting up and administering surveys on REDCap.

• Experience working with clinical populations, including substance use disorder.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience collecting, handling, and shipping biological specimens.

• Previous experience in a clinical research setting.

• Experience administering detailed clinical interviews.

• Experience collecting, coding, and scoring data using computerized measures according to study protocol.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Ability to safely work near a strong magnetic field.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

• Must have reliable mode of transportation.

• Must be able to work a variable hour schedule.

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, life-support 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.