Laboratory Assistant 2

University of California, Riverside; California (MO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

The Yang Lab at the University of California, Riverside is seeking a part-time (80%) Lab Assistant to start in October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is initially for a ten-month term, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding, lab needs, and performance.

The Lab Assistant will provide research support for two ongoing projects involving nematophagous fungi and beneficial soil bacteria.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.
• Bachelor of Science degree
• Minimum of 2 years of college education or laboratory working experience
• Minimum of 0.5 years of experience working in nematology or microbiology laboratory
• Experience with microbial (bacteria and fungi) culture maintenance
• Experience with plant parasitic nematode cultures maintenance
• Skillful with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe PDF softwares.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated background in, and passion for, research in nematology or related fields

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain the nematode, plant, microbes, planting materials for the projects.
• Conduct the experiments of the projects and keep good records of procedures and data.
• Contribute to data entry and analysis to ensure rigor and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with the Lab Specialist and researchers on daily/weekly work planning.

Skills

Critical thinking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Research interest nematology

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Excel

Word

Adobe PDF

Job description

Position Information

The Yang Lab at the University of California, Riverside is seeking a part-time (80%) Lab Assistant to start in October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is initially for an ten-month term, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding, lab needs, and performance. Yang Lab investigates nematode-suppressive soils and studies the key microbes within that contributes to the suppression of nematode population, aiming to develop practical and effective biological control strategies that could be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Yang Lab examines the mode-of-actions of the beneficial microbes from soil with biological control potentials against plant parasitic nematodes and study the nematode-microbe interactions. The Lab Assistant will provide research support for two ongoing research projects focused on the nematophagous fungus Hyalorbilia oviparasitica and beneficial soil bacteria. The roles and responsibilities of the Lab Assistant include preparation and maintenance of the nematode, plant, microbes, planting materials for the projects, conducting the experiments of the projects, keep good records of the procedure and data of the projects, and contributing to the overall lab culture and mission. The Lab Assistant will also contribute to scientific projects by entering and preparing data for analysis, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Dr. Yang works closely with the Specialist, who help coordinate all experimental activities, maintain communication with academic/industry collaborators, as well as facilitate the acquisition, organization and preparation of all lab and field supplies. Laboratory Assistant work directly with the Specialist, who provides guidance on what work activities need to take place within a daily and weekly schedule. This position is ideal for a motivated individual interested in pursuing an advanced degree in nematology, microbiology, plant pathology or a related field. The full salary range for the Laboratory Assistant 2 is $27.10 - $32.65 per hour. However, the expected pay scale for this position is $27.10 per hour. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The Yang Lab at the University of California, Riverside is seeking a part-time (80%) Lab Assistant to start in October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is initially for an ten-month term, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding, lab needs, and performance. Yang Lab investigates nematode-suppressive soils and studies the key microbes within that contributes to the suppression of nematode population, aiming to develop practical and effective biological control strategies that could be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Yang Lab examines the mode-of-actions of the beneficial microbes from soil with biological control potentials against plant parasitic nematodes and study the nematode-microbe interactions. The Lab Assistant will provide research support for two ongoing research projects focused on the nematophagous fungus Hyalorbilia oviparasitica and beneficial soil bacteria. The roles and responsibilities of the Lab Assistant include preparation and maintenance of the nematode, plant, microbes, planting materials for the projects, conducting the experiments of the projects, keep good records of the procedure and data of the projects, and contributing to the overall lab culture and mission. The Lab Assistant will also contribute to scientific projects by entering and preparing data for analysis, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Dr. Yang works closely with the Specialist, who help coordinate all experimental activities, maintain communication with academic/industry collaborators, as well as facilitate the acquisition, organization and preparation of all lab and field supplies. Laboratory Assistant work directly with the Specialist, who provides guidance on what work activities need to take place within a daily and weekly schedule. This position is ideal for a motivated individual interested in pursuing an advanced degree in nematology, microbiology, plant pathology or a related field.

Requirements

Educational Requirements

Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.

Bachelor of Science degree

Preferred Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of college education or laboratory working experience

Minimum of 0.5 years of experience working in nematology or microbiology laboratory

Minimum Requirements

• Experience with microbial (bacteria and fungi) culture maintenance
• Experience with plant parasitic nematode cultures maintenance
• Skillful with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe PDF softwares.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated background in, and passion for, research in nematology or related fields

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Information

In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park‑like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.

• UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019‑20 Center for World University rankings.
• UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
• UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low‑income, first‑generation, and students of color.
• Among top‑tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
• Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
• UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

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 under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview

Job Description Details

Department Custom Scope

The Yang Lab at the University of California, Riverside is seeking a part‑time (80%) Lab Assistant to start in October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is initially for an ten‑month term, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding, lab needs, and performance. Yang Lab investigates nematode‑suppressive soils and studies the key microbes within that contributes to the suppression of nematode population, aiming to develop practical and effective biological control strategies that could be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Yang Lab examines the mode‑of‑actions of the beneficial microbes from soil with biological control potentials against plant parasitic nematodes and study the nematode‑microbe interactions. The Lab Assistant will provide research support for two ongoing research projects focused on the nematophagous fungus Hyalorbilia oviparasitica and beneficial soil bacteria. The roles and responsibilities of the Lab Assistant include preparation and maintenance of the nematode, plant, microbes, planting materials for the projects, conducting the experiments of the projects, keep good records of the procedure and data of the projects, and contributing to the overall lab culture and mission. The Lab Assistant will also contribute to scientific projects by entering and preparing data for analysis, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Dr. Yang works closely with the Specialist, who help coordinate all experimental activities, maintain communication with academic/industry collaborators, as well as facilitate the acquisition, organization and preparation of all lab and field supplies. Laboratory Assistant work directly with the Specialist, who provides guidance on what work activities need to take place within a daily and weekly schedule. This position is ideal for a motivated individual interested in pursuing an advanced degree in nematology, microbiology, plant pathology or a related field.