Research Assistant (Orthopedic Surgery)

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles, CA, seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support translational research in Orthopedic Surgery. The role involves analyzing human tissues, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques under Dr. Krakow’s lab, with a flexible hybrid schedule and 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities include histology, tissue processing, RNA/DNA/protein assays, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, while maintaining safety, records, and inventory controls.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research using human muscle biopsies and small animal tissues
• Perform tissues processing, histology, immunostaining, microscopy, and cell culture experiments
• Assist with cell isolation, cell line maintenance, mechanical testing, and molecular biology assays (DNA, RNA, protein analysis, qPCR)
• Collect, organize, analyze, and present experimental data
• Assist with preparation of manuscript, presentation, grant materials, and research reports
• Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and adherence to safety protocols
• Help maintain laboratory records, protocols, and regulatory compliance

Job description

Research Assistant (Orthopedic Surgery)- Limited Appointment

Work Location Los Angeles,CA

Job #32386

Work Hours Flexible hybrid schedule, 20hrs/week, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Employment Type 4 – Staff- Limited

Duration 06/30/2027

Salary Range $30.12-35.92 Hourly

Posted Date August 21, 2026

Bargaining Unit UPTE – RX

Find the cures you know are out there. At UCLA Health, you make it happen as part of a groundbreaking Research team, working to understand hundreds of medical disorders and improving processes for dozens of procedures across the globe.

Our UCLA Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support the research activities of Dr. Krakow’s laboratory. The lab focuses on advancing the understanding of skeletal muscle dysfunction and fibrosis in cerebral palsy and related musculoskeletal conditions through translational research involving human tissues, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques. Key responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory research using human muscle biopsies and small animal tissues
• Perform tissues processing, histology, immunostaining, microscopy, and cell culture experiments
• Assist with cell isolation, cell line maintenance, mechanical testing, and molecular biology assays (DNA, RNA, protein analysis, qPCR)
• Collect, organize, analyze, and present experimental data
• Assist with preparation of manuscript, presentation, grant materials, and research reports
• Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and adherence to safety protocols
• Help maintain laboratory records, protocols, and regulatory compliance

Please note: this is a limited appointment that may convert to career

Salary range: $30.12/hr – $35.92/hr