Lab Assistant II

La Jolla

9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States

#137367 Lab Assistant II

Filing Deadline : Thu 11 / 13 / 2025 Apply Now

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and / or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 11 / 4 / 2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants : Apply by 11 / 13 / 2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Neurosciences is leading clinical-academic department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is comprised of more than 130 faculty members. The Department's mission is to create the synergies and define the ideas and programs that will allow us to transform the way our neurosciences community discovers, teaches and cares for patients. We strive to conduct cutting-edge science and research and train the next generation of neurologists and researchers by fostering education at all levels and integrating the latest scientific and medical advances into the curriculum.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager, the incumbent will serve as a Lab Assistant in a cutting-edge Neurosciences laboratory dedicated to modeling human brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The focus of the research is on metabolic regulation and early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) relevant to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Assist in performing specialized research using patient-derived human cell models to investigate disease mechanisms. Key responsibilities include executing advanced human neural cell reprogramming techniques to generate induced neuronal cultures that model brain aging and neurodegeneration, developing and optimizing novel culture systems employing innovative biomaterials, and applying state-of-the-art genetic research methodologies. Conduct confocal microscopy imaging, molecular biology assays, and generate and analyze metabolic datasets to elucidate cellular phenotypes associated with neuronal vulnerability cognitive decline. In addition to experimental duties, involve with limited laboratory management tasks such as inventory maintenance, sample organization, and aliquoting. Closely collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure seamless integration of experimental workflows aligned with project goals in neurodegenerative disease modeling and therapeutic discovery. Perform other duties as assigned.

MININMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Theoretical and practical background in molecular biology combined with bachelor's degree-level coursework in biology, or related science with laboratory experience.

Ability to follow basic research protocols and follow instructions closely.

Ability to perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures involving human cell culture and reprograming experiments, and various molecular approaches with accuracy and attention to detail. Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and tasks.

Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and superiors, with demonstrated skill in asking questions and advising of problems, via effective use of email, public / shared Google docs, and / or meeting schedules.

Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work carefully with potentially harmful agents.

Strong theoretical background in application of human neural cell culture models in biomedical sciences, and strong practical experience with human neural reprogramming, confocal imaging, and molecular assays such as qPCR. Experience with data analysis and software applications such as Word, Prism, and Excel.

Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology and familiar with those associated with cellular neurobiology.

Ability to perform accurate record keeping and organize and calculate data. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, if necessary.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range : $48,295 - $56,794 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent : $23.13 - $27.20

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit : https : / / policy.ucop.edu / doc / 1001004 / Anti-Discrimination

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