Laboratory Assistant 1

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Job summary

University of California, Santa Barbara seeks a part-time Laboratory Assistant 1 for Maxwell Wilson's lab at UCSB. The role covers routine operational and administrative support, focusing on maintaining basic lab functions, safety compliance, and day-to-day operations.

The position is 50% time, M-F 10-2, located in the 3171 Biology II building, with full benefits eligibility. Salary ranges from $27.04 to $32.31 per hour depending on experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year or less of laboratory/operational support experience.
• Ability to follow written protocols and safety procedures.
• Basic familiarity with laboratory environments and equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks.
• Clear communication with laboratory staff.
• Basic computer skills, including email and ordering systems.

Responsibilities

• 75% Laboratory Management - maintain organization and cleanliness; manage waste and LN2 tanks; ensure EH&S compliance.
• 15% Procurement - order supplies and manage inventory; coordinate with vendors and facilities.
• 10% Record keeping - assist with basic lab documentation and onboarding logistics.

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Tools

Ordering systems

Inventory management

Job description

Job Posting Details

Job ID: 88516

Location: UCSB Campus

Full/Part Time: Part Time

Payroll Title: Laboratory Assistant 1

Job Open Date: 8/27/26

Application Review Begins: 9/14/26

Department Code (Name): NRII (NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH INST)

Percentage of Time: 50%

Union Code (Name): TX - Technical Professionals

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: STEPS

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.04/hour. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $27.04 to $32.31/hour.

Work Location: 3171 Biology II bldg

Working Days and Hours: M-F, 10-2 (flexible)

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: N/A

Department Marketing Statement

The Neuroscience Research Institute is an organized research unit whose mission is to foster knowledge and understanding of the nervous system by serving as a center for scientific research breakthroughs. The NRI is a group of investigators whose collective goal is to create an intellectual atmosphere conducive to exploration at the frontiers of human knowledge where disciplinary boundaries disappear. Investigators in the NRI recognize that the interests of neuroscience extend broadly from repair and prevention of human disease to the principles that underlie the earliest nervous systems, from the human mind to the single molecular building blocks of the brain. This position is based in the laboratory of Associate Professor Maxwell Wilson, which combines optogenetics, synthetic biology, and laboratory automation to study cell signaling dynamics and operates the Robotic Synthetic Biology BioFoundry.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties

Part-time (50%) position in the laboratory of Associate Professor Maxwell Wilson. The Lab Assistant 1 provides routine operational and administrative support to a research laboratory. Responsibilities focus on maintaining basic laboratory functions, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and supporting day-to-day lab operations.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Previous experience in a laboratory, technical, or operational support role (1 year or less)
• Ability to follow written protocols and safety procedures
• Basic familiarity with laboratory environments and equipment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks
• Clear communication skills and ability to coordinate with laboratory staff
• Basic computer skills, including email and ordering systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or coursework in a scientific or technical field
• Experience with ordering systems, inventory management, or laboratory environments is beneficial

Special Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

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.

"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

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

• 75% Laboratory Management - Maintains general laboratory organization and cleanliness. Manages laboratory waste streams, including chemical, biological, and sharps waste, in accordance with EH&S guidelines. Maintains liquid nitrogen (LN2) tanks, including monitoring levels, coordinating refills, and following safe handling procedures.
• 15% Procurement - Orders laboratory supplies and consumables and maintains inventory levels Coordinates with vendors, facilities, and EH&S as needed
• 10% Record keeping - Assists with basic laboratory documentation and record keeping. Supports onboarding logistics for new laboratory members as needed

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

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 status under state or federal law.

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