Lab Assistant 1

About Us

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

The UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) is Orange County's only state and federally funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and is internationally recognized for its research accomplishments in age-related brain disorders. The Institute is composed of faculty and staff from multiple Departments and Schools, with a common goal of research discovery to improve the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cure of age-related brain diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. For more than 30 years, UCI MIND has been at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease research. It is home to one of 37 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and one of 10 California Alzheimer's Disease Centers funded by the California Department of Public Health.

About the Role

The Brain Bank Lab Assistant 1 provides essential technical and operational support to the brain bank and research laboratory team. Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the collection, processing, and cryogenic storage of biological specimens, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, as well as the preparation of stock solutions required for laboratory procedures. The Lab Assistant 1 plays a key role in fulfilling tissue requests by pulling and preparing tissue and fluid samples in collaboration with brain bank staff, ensuring that all specimens are handled with precision and in accordance with established protocols.

Additional responsibilities include packaging and coordinating the shipment of biological materials in compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements, as well as maintaining the overall operational readiness of the laboratory through routine supply ordering and the systematic inventory and organization of freezers, slides, and paraffin blocks. This position requires strong attention to detail, a working knowledge of laboratory safety and biosafety practices, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and cryogenically store biological specimens, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
• Prepare stock solutions required for laboratory procedures.
• Pull and prepare tissue and fluid samples in collaboration with brain bank staff to fulfill tissue requests.
• Package and coordinate the shipment of biological materials in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain laboratory operational readiness through routine supply ordering.
• Systematically inventory and organize freezers, slides, and paraffin blocks.

Requirements

• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Technical knowledge and familiarity with computer software and databases.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Active listening, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Sound judgment and decision-making; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of biosafety protocols and internal control practices.
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.
• A minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience.

Qualifications

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in the natural, physical or social sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Conditions

• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Benefits

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks.

Pay

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $27.04 - $28.70 (hourly).

Conditions of Employment

• Background Check and Live Scan.
• Employment Misconduct disclosure requirement.
• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Compliance with UCI vaccination policies.
• Adherence to Smoking and Tobacco Policy and Drug-Free Environment.
• Additional conditions may apply, including California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, E-Verify, and Pre-Placement Health Evaluation.