Staff Research Associate 1

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 4,149,000 - 4,948,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Medicine at UCLA Health is seeking a Staff Research Associate I to support an in vivo rodent study program and molecular research. You will perform rodent handling, tissue collection, and a variety of molecular techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, while assisting with data organization and day-to-day lab operations.

The role offers opportunities to develop technical expertise and work with increasing independence after onboarding.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with laboratory rodents in a research setting.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blot, IHC).
• Excellent record-keeping and data documentation skills.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform rodent handling, tissue collection, and molecular assays.
• Support in vivo rodent studies and molecular research.
• Maintain organized experimental records and documentation.
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations and data organization.
• Contribute to high-quality research and execution of established protocols.

Skills

Rodent handling

Molecular biology techniques

qPCR

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Data organization

Record keeping

English communication

Independent work after onboarding

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Job description

Description

The Department of Medicine is seeking a Staff Research Associate I to join an innovative neurogastroenterology research program focused on advancing the understanding of gastrointestinal and neurological disease. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will support ongoing in vivo rodent studies and molecular research by performing rodent handling, tissue collection, and a variety of molecular techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. You will also assist with data organization, experimental documentation, and day-to-day laboratory operations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, eager to develop technical expertise, and capable of working with increasing independence after onboarding while contributing to the successful execution of high-quality research and established experimental protocols.

Hourly range: $30.12-$35.92

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to use a personal computer and standard software applications.
• Required Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities, including maintaining complete, accurate, and well-organized records.
• Ability to follow detailed scientific protocols with precision and work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
• Prior hands-on experience working with laboratory rodents in a research setting, including handling and basic procedures.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to execute experimental procedures independently after initial training, with strong reliability and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Prior laboratory experience.
• 2 years related laboratory research experience or training
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (including qPCR, Western blot, and/or immunohistochemistry).
• Prior experience with rodent models and in vivo experimental procedures.
• Experience assisting with surgical procedures and/or behavioral assays in rodent models.

Preferred

• Prior experience working in a research laboratory environment involving both in vivo and molecular techniques
• Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.