Laboratory Assistant (LAB AST 1)

About the Role

The Gliomics Research Group at the Center for Neuroscience, UC Davis, studies the genetic regulation of microglia states in neurodegenerative diseases. Under supervision, the Laboratory Assistant I will contribute to projects using stem cell-derived models to better understand microglia states in health and disease, with a focus on neuroimmune interactions in Alzheimer's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. This role provides a foundation for careers in science, medicine, or biotechnology.

Key Responsibilities

• Data acquisition (90%): Contribute to projects using stem cell-derived models; perform immunofluorescence, quantitative qPCR, and basic cell culture maintenance.
• Stem Cell laboratory maintenance (10%): Support laboratory operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent experience/training
• Experience working in a research laboratory
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain detailed and accurate records
• Problem-solving, deductive reasoning, and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/BA in Neuroscience or related field
• Experience with one or more of: cell culture, molecular cloning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy
• Ability to follow protocols/instructions
• Responsive to email/Slack communication
• Ability to troubleshoot problems
• Ability to work with computers and learn new software
• Interpersonal and communication skills to work with others

Pay & Schedule

• Salary: $27.04/hr – $32.31/hr
• Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Shift: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Davis (hybrid – mix of on-site and remote)
• Appointment: Staff: Career, 100% time

Benefits

• High-quality, low-cost medical plans
• UC-paid dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance: additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance, Pay for Family Care and Bonding
• Lactation Support Program and family care discounts/resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including free mental health services
• Generous paid holidays annually
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time
• Continuing Education allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program
• Free professional development courses and learning opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Walking: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Sitting: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Lifting/Carrying 0–25 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Lifting/Carrying 26–50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Pushing/Pulling 0–25 lbs, 26–50 lbs, over 50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours each)
• Bending/Stooping, Squatting/Kneeling, Twisting, Climbing, Reaching overhead: Occasional (up to 3 hours each)
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion: Occasional (up to 3 hours)

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Loud noise levels: Continuous (6–8+ hours)
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Microwave/Radiation: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Extreme Temperatures: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations: Frequent (3–6 hours)

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration: Continuous (6–8+ hours)
• Complex problem solving/reasoning: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Ability to organize & prioritize: Continuous (6–8+ hours)
• Communication skills: Continuous (6–8+ hours)
• Numerical skills: Occasional (up to 3 hours)
• Constant Interaction: Frequent (3–6 hours)
• Customer/Patient Contact: Continuous (6–8+ hours)
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks: Occasional (up to 3 hours)

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, smokeless tobacco products, and unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on all UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements

This is a critical position; employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment. As a condition of employment, the final candidate must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining misconduct; any pending allegations or proceedings involving misconduct; or any appeals of misconduct findings with a previous employer.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.