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UC San Diego Health

Lab Assistant II - 137367

UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California, United States, 92189

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Lab Assistant II - 137367 UC San Diego Health – Neurosciences Department

Payroll Title:

LAB AST 2

Hiring Pay Scale:

$25.00 - $27.20 / Hour

Worksite:

La Jolla

Appointment Type:

Career

Appointment Percent:

100%

Union:

TX Contract

Total Openings:

1

Work Schedule:

Days, 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday

Filing Deadline:

Thu 11/13/2025

Pay Transparency Act: Annual Full Pay Range: $48,295 - $56,794 (Hourly Equivalent: $23.13 - $27.20)

Description 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 and 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.

Minimum 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 reprogramming 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 documents, 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 familiarity 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.

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

EEO Statement UC San Diego 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. 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. UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

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