Undergraduate Lab Aide

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences seeks an Undergraduate Lab Aide to support ongoing AMD and ocular cancer research under Dr. Gurdeep Singh.

The role provides hands-on experience in molecular biology and routine lab operations within a collaborative team. You will work alongside faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and fellow students, performing supervised experiments and data handling to contribute to current projects in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Current enrollment at the University of New Mexico.
• Ability to follow instructions and laboratory procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Interest in biomedical research, healthcare, or science-related fields.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine laboratory tasks, including preparation of materials for research activities.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Assist with labeling, organizing, and storing research samples and laboratory materials.
• Support laboratory personnel with data entry, record keeping, and research documentation.
• Assist with maintaining research databases and laboratory inventories.
• Help prepare equipment and workstations for experiments.
• Clean, maintain, and organize laboratory instruments and supplies according to established procedures.
• Assist with basic laboratory procedures and techniques under supervision and training.
• Support ongoing research projects involving cell culture, molecular biology, zebrafish models, and related laboratory activities as appropriate.
• Assist with literature searches and organization of scientific references.
• Attend laboratory meetings and training sessions as assigned.
• Adhere to all University and laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties in support of laboratory operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Ability to follow instructions

Interest in biomedical research

Job description

Position: Undergraduate Lab Aide

Pay: $12.00 - $17.00 Hourly

Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

Department: Department of Ophthalmology (409A)

Employment Type: Student Employment

Student Type: Work-Study

Status: Non-Exempt

For Best Consideration Date: 10/8/2026

Position Summary

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is seeking a motivated Undergraduate Lab Aide to join Dr. Gurdeep Singh's research laboratory at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Dr. Singh's laboratory studies the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and ocular cancers. This position provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in biomedical research, medicine, and laboratory science to gain hands-on research experience while working alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other trainees. The Undergraduate Lab Aide will assist with routine laboratory operations and research support activities under direct supervision.

*Only hiring students with work-study eligibility.*

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with routine laboratory tasks, including preparation of materials and supplies for research activities.


• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.


• Assist with labeling, organizing, and storing research samples and laboratory materials.


• Support laboratory personnel with data entry, record keeping, and research documentation.


• Assist with maintaining research databases and laboratory inventories.


• Help prepare equipment and workstations for experiments.


• Clean, maintain, and organize laboratory instruments and supplies according to established procedures.


• Assist with basic laboratory procedures and techniques under supervision and training.


• Support ongoing research projects involving cell culture, molecular biology, zebrafish models, and related laboratory activities as appropriate.


• Assist with literature searches and organization of scientific references.


• Attend laboratory meetings and training sessions as assigned.


• Adhere to all University and laboratory safety policies and procedures.


• Perform other related duties in support of laboratory operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment at the University of New Mexico.


• Ability to follow instructions and laboratory procedures.


• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.


• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.


• Interest in biomedical research, healthcare, or science-related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or related sciences.


• Previous laboratory, research, or healthcare experience is helpful but not required.


• Interest in pursuing careers in medicine, research, or related scientific fields.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.