Laboratory Assistant II - Human Genetics

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health is seeking a Wells Lab Assistant II in Los Angeles to support stem cell models studying gene-environment interactions in neural development. The role requires independent work after training and precise, reproducible execution of lab tasks.

Responsibilities include cell culture, quality control, and collaboration with the Wells Lab team. Prior experience with stem cell derivatives and mycoplasma testing is preferred, with occasional weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and protocol.
• Experience with basic laboratory equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work in a team environment.
• Previous laboratory experience in a lab setting.
• Knowledge of lab safety including handling biohazardous/chemical waste.
• Ability to prioritize assignments to complete work on time.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and switch between duties.
• Independent work capability with training.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends.
• Hands-on experience with stem cell neural progenitor/neuronal induction.
• Maintaining/expanding/freezing human stem cell cultures and neural derivatives.
• Testing human cell cultures for mycoplasma contamination.
• Ability to work with multiple cell lines simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and as part of the Wells Lab team with minimal supervision.
• Follow training period and maintain reproducibility across tasks.
• Perform multiple detail-oriented duties related to cell culture and analysis.

Skills

Teamwork

Detail-oriented

Laboratory safety

Cell culture

Genomics library prep

Independent work

Weekend availability

Mycoplasma testing

Multi-cell handling

Communication

Education

BS in Biology or closely related field

Tools

Stem cell culture techniques

Genomics library preparations

Job description

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Work Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Posted Date

10/12/2026

Salary Range: $27.54 - 33.13 Hourly

Employment Type

Duration

Indefinite

Job #

32203

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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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

Job Qualifications

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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.

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. Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.