Lab Assistant III

LAB AST 3 (009602)

UCPath Position ID: 41186187

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

602314

Approved Date:

8/4/2025 12:30:38 PM

Date Last Edited:

8/4/2025 12:30:33 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

5/1/2019

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1330D

Division:

L&S LIFE SCIENCES

Department:

090500 - LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH CORE FACILITIES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41186187

Position Description ID

164763

UC Payroll Title:

LAB AST 3 (009602)

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:

40115265

Reports to Payroll Title:

SRA 2 NEX

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40058193

Department Head Payroll Title:

FAC SUPV 2

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Incumbent will assist in managing and maintaining high quality production and distribution of drosophila culture mediums to laboratories in Life Sciences Division. Major responsibilities include producing multiple formulations of culture media as specified by laboratories; the operation, assembly and maintenance of semi-automated pumping equipment, use of steam heated vats, and other laboratory equipment; to analyze culture media quality and make adjustments as needed within limits established by protocols; to produce chemical solutions; and to insure lab safety protocols and regulations are enforced following departmental and University guidelines, policies, and procedures. Other duties include to assist in maintaining a database of laboratories' culture media orders and production of monthly billing reports; track inventory and place orders as necessary; assist in supervising one or more lab assistants; and to be responsible for daily facility operations in the absence of the facility manager.

Life Sciences Research Core Facilities is a unit that provides laboratory research services to our scientific community to help facilitate cutting-edge research, world-class education, and empower the next generation of scientists.

Culture Media Production

A1. Assemble, test, inspect for safety, and adjust semi-automatic pumping equipment and other laboratory equipment as needed. (E) 

A2. Based on laboratories' request for media, calculate quantities of ingredients and prepare culture media. (E) 

A3. Adjust moisture, gel strength, and pH of culture media to meet laboratory specifications. (E) 

A4. Identify mite, fungal, and bacterial contamination and perform remediation. (E) 

A5. Test media meets high-quality standards. (E) 

A6. Responsible for notifying facility manager of quality variations, any contamination findings, as well as any adjustments. (E) 

A7. Dispense and prepare culture media for delivery. (E) 

A8. Disassemble and sanitize production equipment. (E) 

A9. Deliver culture media to designated locations. (M)

60%

Manage Inventory

B1. Perform weekly inventory inspections. (E) 

B2. Place orders to meet inventory projections based on current media production. (E) 

B3. Prepare chemical solutions as needed to maintain stock supply. (E) 

B4. Receive and organize inventory and prepare materials to be used in media production. (E)

25%

Process Culture Media Orders

C1. Collect and log laboratories' orders for media. (E) 

C2. Calculate daily media production schedule. (E) 

C3. Enter orders into billing database. (E) 

C4. Prepare monthly billing report. (E)

5%

Supervision of Laboratory Assistants

D1. Manage clean and organized workspaces. (E) 

D2. Assist in routine maintenance of facility. (E) 

D3. Insure lab safety protocols and regulations are enforced following departmental and University guidelines, policies, and procedures. (E) 

D4. Supervise and assign tasks as needed to meet operational goals. (E)

5%

Back up Manager in Absence

E1. Perform all above functions without supervision for duration of manager's absence. (E) 

E2. Respond to questions from faculty and staff regarding food preparation and facility operations. (E) 

E3. Assure that culture media orders are filled accurately and on time. (E) 

E4. Assist in problem-solving and resolving equipment failure issues and other unforeseen events as needed. (E) 

E5. Perform other administrative and operational tasks as needed. (M)

5%

•

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

Experience in biological lab practices

Preferred

Familiar with Microsoft Office programs

Preferred

1. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Required

2. Demonstrated analytical skills in assessing alternative solutions and developing and implementing a plan.

Required

3. Skill in setting priorities on assignments to complete work in a timely manner meeting deadlines.

Required

4. Ability to perform effectively when there are changes in workload, assignments, deadlines, competing requirements.

Required

5. Interpersonal skills to maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, and students of diverse backgrounds.

Required

6. Knowledge of safe handling of drosophila stocks to avoid contamination and infestation of fresh media and work areas.

Preferred

7. Understanding of university laboratory safety regulations.

Preferred

8. Exhibit manual dexterity sufficient to manipulate pumping equipment.

Required

9. Able to lift and carry 25 kilos short distances.

Required

10. Ability to perform repetitive tasks while standing for extended periods of time.

Required

11. Demonstrate attention to detail and safety practices.

Required

12. Working knowledge of the safe operation of high-pressure steam equipment, food service grade power mixer, automated pumping equipment, etc. 

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:

4912 LSB

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

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 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.