Laboratory Assistant II - Human Genetics

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wells Lab in the Department of Human Genetics at UCLA Health is seeking a Lab Assistant II who can work independently after training and as part of the Wells Lab team.

The role involves handling stem cell-derived neural progenitors and neurons, maintaining cultures, and performing mycoplasma testing, with an emphasis on accuracy, reproducibility, and multi-tasking; weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and protocol is highly desirable.
• Skilled in working with basic laboratory equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work in a team environment.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of lab safety including use of biohazardous and chemical waste.
• Skill in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner.
• Hands-on experience with stem cell-derived neural progenitor and neuron induction techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform multiple, detail-oriented tasks accurately and reproducibly.
• Work with stem cell-derived neural progenitors and neurons.
• Maintain, expand, and freeze human stem cell cultures.
• Test human cell cultures for mycoplasma contamination.
• Collaborate with Wells Lab team and communicate findings.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Basic lab equipment handling

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Weekend availability

Stem cell culture

Mycoplasma testing

Cell line handling

Prior lab experience

Time management

Hazardous waste safety

Education

BS in Biology or closely related field

Job description

Description

The Wells Lab
in the Department of Human Genetics uses stem cell models to study
gene-environment interactions in the developing human brain. The Lab Assistant
II is expected to work independently and as part of the Wells Lab team, with
minimal direct supervision following a training period.An ability to perform multiple,
detail-oriented tasks accurately, reproducibility, and efficiently is
required.Prior experience with cell
culture and/or genomics library preparations is preferred.

Salary Range:
$27.54 - $33.13 Hourly

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of
  basic laboratory safety and protocol is highly desirable.
• Skilled in working with basic laboratory equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work in a team environment.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of lab safety including use of biohazardous and chemical waste.
• Skill in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner.
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to
  another of a different nature.
• Must be responsible and able to work independently.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends.
• Hands-on experience with stem cell-derived neural progenitor and neuron
  induction techniques.
• Hands-on experience with maintaining, expanding, and freezing human stem cell
  cultures and neural derivatives.
• Hands-on experience testing human cell cultures for mycoplasma contamination.
• Ability to work with multiple cell lines simultaneously.

Preferred:

• BS in Biology or closely related field.