Lab Assistant 2

LAB AST 2 (009603)

UCPath Position ID: 41181633

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

7/31/2025 12:02:36 AM

Date Last Edited:

7/31/2025 12:02:32 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Department:

100000 - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41181633

Position Description ID

241209

UC Payroll Title:

LAB AST 2 (009603)

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:

40987356

Reports to Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 4

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40056567

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 2

CLOSE SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent is assigned duties according to specific procedures. Work is checked frequently, and in addition there may be formal training.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the close supervision of the Research and Development Engineer 4, the Lab Assistant 2 will play a key role in supporting the operations of the Basic Plasma Science Facility. Primary responsibilities include helping to maintain a safe, organized, and clean laboratory environment. The Lab Assistant will assist with the setup and teardown of experimental projects, collaborating closely with lab personnel to assemble, install, and remove equipment. This includes working with a variety of laboratory systems and components to ensure proper configuration and operational readiness. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy consists of faculty, undergrads and graduate students, academic researchers, scientists, staff and postdocs. Our department is located in Knudsen Hall, the Physics & Astronomy Buildings, the Planetarium (located in the Math Sciences Building), the Science and Technology Research Building (STRB) and a portion of Kaplan Hall (Division Mechanical Shop) totaling approximately 155,000+ square feet and an asset total of $11M.

Laboratory Preparation & Maintenance

1. Maintain the safety and cleanliness of the LAPD Laboratory and surrounding work areas.

2. Assist with the assembly and removal of projects.

3. Assist with installation of new or upgraded equipment on various experiments.

55%

Special Projects

1. Assist scientific staff with small projects in the lab.

2. Assist engineers and machinists with construction projects.

3. Assist graduate students occasionally with their projects.

45%

•

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

High School Diploma

or equivalent experience / training

Required

Laboratory Experience

2 years of Laboratory Experience

Required

Electrical Systems

Ability to work with electricity (110 and 208 volts)

Required

HVAC

Ability to repair HVAC equipment if needed.

Preferred

General knowledge of basic laboratory apparatus and sensitive research apparatus and set-up or work experience in that area.

Required

Proficient in general computer use.

Preferred

Ability to operate drill press.

Required

Able to operate small electrical hand tools.

Required

Ability to drive electric forklift.

Preferred

Ability to maintain labs mechanical pumps by checking oil level and bring them up to speed.

Required

Ability to monitor the compressed gas usage on the labs Laser systems

Required

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Required

Ability to take directions and follow tasks through to completion.

Required

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, researchers, students and visitors in the department.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Science & Technology Research Building

Standing/Walking

X

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

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

Mental demands other

X

Other Mental Requirements

If "Mental demands other" was selected above, please explain:

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.