Neuroscience Lab Assistant: Cell Culture & Assays

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles is seeking a Lab Assistant to maintain neuronal cell cultures, conduct experiments with small-molecule drug candidates, and perform cytotoxicity and immunocytochemistry assays. You will analyze data, keep detailed notes, and report to the PI/postdoc.

The role includes ordering supplies, maintaining hoods and incubators, and collaborating with team members while staying current with scientific literature. This is a limited position with potential to convert to career.

Qualifications

• Prepare tissue-culture media and reagents accurately.
• Culture cells while preventing contamination.
• Count cells and plate in 96-well plates.
• Differentiate cells into neuronal phenotypes.
• Prepare solutions of small-molecule candidates and controls.
• Add compounds gently to neurons without disruption.
• Measure cytotoxicity with chromogenic/fluorogenic assays.
• Tabulate and present results clearly to PI and postdoc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and GraphPad.
• Maintain inventory of lab equipment, supplies, and cells.
• Experience with neurological diseases.
• Excellent verbal and written English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain neuronal cell cultures and conduct related experiments.
• Treat cells with small-molecule candidates and assess cytotoxicity.
• Perform immunocytochemistry experiments and data analysis.
• Maintain detailed lab notes and report findings to PI/postdoc.
• Order supplies and manage tissue-culture hoods and incubators.
• Communicate with team members and participate in group meetings.
• Keep up with relevant scientific literature.
• Limited position that may convert to career.

Skills

Tissue culture

Aseptic technique

96-well plate handling

Neuronal differentiation

Small-molecule preparation

Gentle compound addition

Cytotoxicity assays

Data presentation

Microsoft Office

GraphPad proficiency

Inventory management

Neuro disease knowledge

English communication

Education

B.S./B.A. in biology/biochemistry/neuroscience

Tools

GraphPad

Microsoft Office

Job description

UCLA Health in Los Angeles is seeking a Lab Assistant to maintain neuronal cell cultures, conduct experiments with small-molecule drug candidates, and perform cytotoxicity and immunocytochemistry assays. You will analyze data, keep detailed notes, and report to the PI/postdoc.

The role includes ordering supplies, maintaining hoods and incubators, and collaborating with team members while staying current with scientific literature. This is a limited position with potential to convert to career.