Laboratory Assistant 1

University of California, Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 27,565 - 29,618; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Riverside is looking for a lab technician to assist in maintaining glassy-winged sharpshooter colonies. Responsibilities include caring for insects, growing plants, and aiding in DNA extraction.

This full-time position demands attention to detail and experience with plant cultivation and insect dissections. Ideal candidates will be working under close supervision while ensuring accurate recordkeeping and lab maintenance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of insect rearing and dissections.
• Experience with plant cultivation.
• Familiarity with PCR machines.

Responsibilities

• Care for and feed glassy‑winged sharpshooter insects.
• Grow multiple species of plants.
• Maintain greenhouse environment.
• Assist with DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
• Dissect adult sharpshooter insects.
• Document colony health in electronic and paper notebooks.
• Maintain and clean lab and support spaces.

Skills

Knowledge of insect rearing and dissections

Experience with plant cultivation

Familiarity with PCR machines

Attention to detail and recordkeeping

Job description

Job Overview

Under supervision, the lab technician will assist in the maintenance of multiple glassy‑winged sharpshooter colonies. The role includes caring for insects, feeding them, growing multiple species of plants, and maintaining a desirable greenhouse environment. The individual will also assist in DNA extraction for PCR analysis and subsequent sequencing, conduct dissections of adult sharpshooter insects, and document the health of each colony in lab electronic and paper notebooks. The technician will help maintain and clean the lab and support spaces, and assist in general laboratory and insectary programming and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Care for and feed glassy‑winged sharpshooter insects.
• Grow multiple species of plants.
• Maintain greenhouse environment.
• Assist with DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
• Dissect adult sharpshooter insects.
• Document colony health in electronic and paper notebooks.
• Maintain and clean lab and support spaces.
• Assist in general laboratory and insectary programming and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of insect rearing and dissections.
• Experience with plant cultivation.
• Familiarity with PCR machines.
• Attention to detail and recordkeeping.
• Current UCR work authorization; visa sponsorship not offered.

Compensation

Hourly pay range: $20.01–$21.50 per hour, depending on education, experience, and other factors.

Work Details

• Location: Main Campus – UCR.
• Schedule: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday–Friday.
• Full-time (100%).
• Close supervision.

Other Information

Application deadline: Open until filled. Salary range: $20.01–$23.16 per hour (expected pay scale $20.01–$21.50 per hour).