Staff Research Associate 1

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

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles, CA, seeks a Staff Research Associate I in the Department of Medicine's neurogastroenterology program. The role supports in vivo rodent studies and molecular work, including handling, tissue collection, qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

You will assist with data organization and daily lab operations, with increasing independence after onboarding. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm, onsite or remote options; hourly range: $30.12–$35.92.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
• 2 years related laboratory research experience or training.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry).
• Experience with rodent models and in vivo procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support in vivo rodent studies and molecular research.
• Perform rodent handling and tissue collection.
• Execute molecular techniques including qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
• Assist with data organization, experimental documentation, and day-to-day lab operations.
• Develop independence after onboarding and contribute to high-quality research.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Data organization

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

qPCR

Western blot

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

Onsite or Remote

Fully On-Site

Work Schedule

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

Posted Date

07/17/2026

Salary Range: $30.12 - 35.92 Hourly

Employment Type

Duration

Indefinite

Job #

31903

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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

Job 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.

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.