Staff Research Assistant I - Neurology

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 86,241,000 - 102,926,000; Full time

Job summary

The Staff Research Assistant at University of California - Los Angeles Health supports molecular biology and genetics research under a PI and postdoc. The role focuses on bench work including tissue culture, transfection, RNA/DNA/protein extraction, and basic data analysis for neurological disease projects.

Responsibilities include preparing buffers, maintaining lab records, assisting with figures for grants, training lab assistants, and contributing to publications.

Qualifications

• General working knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, human genetics, and neuroscience theories and principles.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Ability to maintain organized lab records and perform data entry with accuracy.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; punctual and reliable.

Responsibilities

• Perform tissue culture, transfection, and molecular biology techniques.
• Extract RNA, DNA, and protein; run PCR and gel electrophoresis; immunocytochemistry/IHC.
• Prepare buffers and chemicals; maintain lab notebooks and data records.
• Assist with figures for grant applications and publications; train lab assistants.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetics

Cell biology

Neuroscience

Lab safety

Data analysis

PCR

Western blot

Tissue culture

Documentation

Time management

Education

B.S. in Molecular Biology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe products

Job description

Description

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

Qualifications

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.