Lab Assistant 1

LAB AST 1 (009605)

UCPath Position ID: 40810978

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

6/15/2026 2:21:20 PM

Date Last Edited:

6/15/2026 2:21:17 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

2100O

Organization:

DENTISTRY                              

Division Code:

2110D

Division:

CLINICAL                               

Department:

135000 - DENTISTRY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40810978

Position Description ID

256331

UC Payroll Title:

LAB AST 1 (009605)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

TX: Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40063678

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-HCOMP

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061708

Department Head Payroll Title:

DEAN

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lab Assistant will be responsible for day-to-day activities within the lab, which includes performing experiments related to molecular cloning, DNA/RNA isolation and PCR, gel electrophoresis, mutagenesis, and cell cultures. The incumbent will maintain lab databases and record all experimental procedures as well as assist with the maintenance and physical presence of laboratory.

The caliber of our faculty, staff, and student dentists helps foster a dynamic environment, focused towards the future. Along with our passion and dedication to be among the best in the world, UCLA Dentistry is truly unique. As part of a world-renowned research university, combined with excellent educational programs and clinic training, we believe this is where leaders are made.

EXPERIMENTATION/ RESEARCH

1. Make chemical solutions, media, and buffers.

2. Perform DNA/RNA isolation and PCR.

3. Perform molecular cloning.

4. Perform Gel Electrophoresis.

5. Perform mutagenesis.

6. Maintain Cell Cultures and may participate in animal experiments if desired.

7. Record all experimental procedures and data.

8. Review of data with the supervisor and post-doc fellows, development of lab reports, and present data in lab meetings.

90%

LABORATORY

MANAGEMENT

1. Autoclaving and organization of lab supplies.

2. Maintain lab databases including bacterial strains, plasmids, and antibodies.

3. Assist with the maintenance and physical presence of laboratory.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

BS in Biology or in related fields

Preferred

Prior experience in Actinomyces genetics.

Required

Directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts:  a) Skill in basic computer data acquisition procedures.  b) Procedures relate

Required

Willingness and ability to move from project to project and to work on multiple projects concurrently.

Required

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Required

Ability to be self-motivating.

Required

Ability to take initiative and to problem solve.

Required

Maintains satisfactory attendance and punctuality; adapts cooperatively to scheduling changes, including weekend coverage and extra hours as required.

Required

Ability to work independently.

Required

Ability to take direction from multiple supervisors.

Required

Excellent organizational skills, including ability to track time spent on specific tasks for given projects.

Required

Ability to perform mathematical calculations for dilutions, molarity and molecular weight.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

School of Dentistry

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 1: Position in which required tasks routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, potential spills, and splashes. Use of appropriate measures is required for every employee in this position.