Lab Assistant 1 - Sharbrough Lab

About the Role

The Lab Assistant I in the Sharbrough Lab within the Department of Ecology, Evolution, & Marine Biology will support research operations, conduct experiments, and collaborate with lab members. This role involves inventory management, research design, field sampling, data management, and maintaining lab resources. The position is based at UC Santa Barbara, with work locations including Bio II and field sites like the Jug Handle Ecological Staircase and the Sedgewick UC Reserve.

Responsibilities

• 50% Support and maintain Sharbrough Lab Operations: Track inventory, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), train new lab members, maintain germplasm stocks, and update the lab website.
• 25% Design and carry out research project: Collaborate with Dr. Sharbrough to design and implement a lab- and field-based experiment on the role of polyploidy in oxidative damage, analyze data, and prepare results for publication.
• 25% Support other Sharbrough Lab members with their projects: Process DNA/RNA sequencing data, assist with sequencing submissions, troubleshoot protocols, and aid in data collection.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience, or two years of college including courses in natural, physical, or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and abilities essential to perform assigned duties.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check.
• Compliance with UC vaccination policies and tobacco-free environment requirements.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Less than 1 year of experience as an undergraduate research assistant in ecological or evolutionary biology, resourcefulness, good communication skills, knowledge of R programming, ability to pipette small volumes accurately, understanding of scientific literature, experience in evolutionary analyses, and measures of plant/leaf physiology.

Pay

The budgeted salary range is $27.04/hour to $27.58/hour, with a full range of $27.04/hour to $32.31/hour. Offers are based on candidate qualifications, experience, and equitable pay practices.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Benefits

Full benefits, including excellent retirement and health plans.