Laboratory Coordinator - 141894

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

Job summary

University of California, San Diego is seeking a Laboratory Coordinator in Psychology to support the Gentner Lab and related neuroscience research. The role includes histology, data acquisition, and animal care tasks within a 50% appointment.

The position requires Python experience, strong organizational skills, and effective communication. Overtime may be required; the worksite is on campus at UCSD.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python scripting or programming.
• Ability to maintain accurate filing and record-keeping systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in small-animal microsurgical procedures.
• Prepare and process brain tissue using established protocols.
• Acquire and curate high-resolution imaging data.
• Support ongoing physiological experiments and data collection.
• Perform behavioral data collection and animal husbandry tasks.
• Maintain lab organization and inventory as directed.

Skills

Python programming

Filing system

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years college in psychology/neuroscience

Job description

Payroll Title: LAB AST 2

Department: PSYCHOLOGY

Hiring Pay Scale: $27.54/hour

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Limited Appointment

Appointment Percent: 50%

Union: TX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: 4 hrs/day, Days, Variable

#141894 Laboratory Coordinator

Filing Deadline: Thu 10/29/2026

This is a part-time 50% Limited position for 9 months. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs of the department.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Psychology (http://psychology.ucsd.edu/) consistently ranks among the top experimental psychology programs in the country. Currently there are 30 senate faculty, 5 adjunct professors, 5 research faculty, 25 staff and 65 graduate students. The department has over 50 active federal contracts/grants and gift funds. The annual expenditures total over $10 million across federal, state, and gift funds.

Psychology faculty conduct research within four broad areas: Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology. The department has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary research at UCSD, and many faculty maintain collaborative relationships with campus units including Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, UCSD's Medical School, Rady School of Management, and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Our forward‑looking perspective and rich collaborative environment offers a unique opportunity for cutting‑edge research that is changing the face of modern psychology.

The Gentner Lab (gentnerlab.ucsd.edu) studies neural mechanisms underlying auditory perception, vocal learning, and communication. This position will support core experimental workflows to enable high‑quality data acquisition from songbirds in neuroscience research. Under supervision, you will assist in performing small‑animal microsurgical procedures, histological preparation and processing of brain tissue following established protocols, acquisition and curation of high‑resolution imaging data, support of ongoing physiological experiments, behavioral data collection, and animal husbandry‑related tasks and laboratory organization as directed.

• Overtime and weekends may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience programming in Python.
• Experience maintaining and generating a filing and record system.
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related field and one year of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Experience interacting effectively with co‑workers.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and record keeping skills.
• Interpersonal skills including appropriate interview techniques, diplomacy and confidentiality.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $57,504 - $69,175 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.54 - $33.13

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

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.

a. "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

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.