Staff Research Assistant I - Neurology

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health is seeking a Staff Research Assistant to join a neuroscience-focused laboratory in Los Angeles. The role involves bench work in molecular and cellular biology, tissue culture maintenance, and generation of neuronal cell models under PI supervision.

Responsibilities include DNA/RNA/protein extraction, PCR-related work, immunocytochemistry, and contributing to grant figures and publications. Strong organization and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• General working knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and neuroscience.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Proficiency with PC and Mac computers.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to maintain organized lab records.
• Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of lab safety procedures.
• Must be able to learn new techniques and equipment.
• Familiarity with University procedures and EH&S guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Support in molecular biology and cellular biology techniques in the lab.
• Perform tissue culture and transfections; generate stable lines and primary cultures.
• Carry out RNA, DNA, and protein extraction and analysis (PCR, RT-PCR, Western).
• Tissue collection from mice; conduct immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
• Assist with plasmid generation, PCR, and gel work; prepare buffers and reagents.
• Maintain experimental data and contribute to figures for grants and publications.
• Provide technical assistance and training to lab members.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Neuroscience

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Documentation

Computer skills

Time management

Lab safety

Education

B.S. degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Tissue culture

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Immunocytochemistry

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

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Onsite or Remote

Fully On-Site

Work Schedule

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

Posted Date

09/09/2026

Salary Range: $30.12 - 35.92 Hourly

Employment Type

Duration

Indefinite

Job #

32803

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and the Postdoctoral Fellow, the Staff Research Assistant will provide basic technical support in the research laboratory, understanding the molecular and genetic basis of neurological diseases. This includes bench work involving molecular and cellular biology techniques. The vast majority of work will be performing tissue culture (cell culture maintenance, generating stable cells lines, primary neuronal cultures, stem cells including iPSCs); transfection in cellular studies; molecular cloning; RNA, DNA, and protein extraction and analysis (PCR, RT-PCR, western blot); tissue collection from mice; immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the SRA I will be involved in transformation and generating DNA plasmids; performing PCR and gel electrophoresis; preparing buffers, solutions, and chemicals for lab experiments; basic data analysis and interpretation; maintaining database of experimental results; assisting with figures for grant applications and publications; providing technical assistance in the lab, including assisting other members of the lab; and assisting with training of lab assistants and students.

Salary Range: $30.12 - $35.92 Hourly

Job Qualifications

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Required:

• General working knowledge of molecular biology, molecular genetics, cell biology, human genetics, and/or neuroscience theories and principles.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Working knowledge and ability in the use of computers (PC and MAC operating systems)
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with multiple individuals.
• Ability to maintain an organized working area.
• Ability to keep accurate and organized lab records.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to switch focus as needed.
• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare solutions for lab experiments.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for handling chemical, biohazard, and medical waste.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology/cell biology/genetic techniques.
• Skill in using various computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe products, etc.)
• Excellent attention to detail, for accurate data entry and analysis.
• Good organization and time management skills. Always punctual.
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and new lab equipment, as needed.
• General knowledge of University procedures and compliance with Environmental Health and Safety guidelines.

Preferred:

• B.S. degree or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime in order to meet deadlines related to grant applications and publications.

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.