Lab Assistant 3

LAB AST 3 (009602)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_941350

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

5/6/2026 5:54:50 PM

Date Last Edited:

5/6/2026 5:54:39 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1330D

Division:

L&S LIFE SCIENCES

Department:

084500 - INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_941350

Position Description ID

255112

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:

40054210

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-AY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40045582

Department Head Payroll Title:

Department Chair

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 incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator to perform experiments and technical support duties in the laboratory The incumbent will support research on sensory testing on mice, and examining their spinal cords. The incumbent will be involved in many aspects of lab operation. Job duties include laboratory organization, mouse colony maintenance, animal behavior studies, sectioning tissue, carrying out immunocytochemistry experiments, and data analysis. The incumbent should be able to keep detailed notes, follow protocols, and communicate effectively with other team members. 

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work with some supervision and has specific knowledge on spinal cord. She/he/they will also be responsible for the upkeep and keeping accurate and current records of all lab work in a laboratory notebook. The candidate may supervise and teach undergraduate students to carry lab experiments correctly. A candidate with at least 2 years of laboratory experience is preferred for this position.

Research in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP) is dedicated to explaining the function of complex biological systems, in cells, organs, and individuals. The recent rapid advances in molecular and cell biology and genetics, including the sequencing of numerous genomes, has provided an unprecedented opportunity to use this new information to understand how the genes interact to produce emergent phenotypes in complex systems.

Research

Responsibilities

A1. Prepare basic chemical stocks and solutions for the lab. (E) A2. Perform sensory testing. (E) A3. Habituate, record, and evaluate behavioral data from mice. (E) A4. Manage data transfer and backup. (E) A9. Maintain organization of his/her data files, and confocal images for analyses.

80%

Laboratory Management

B1. Breed and maintain mouse line to generate animals for experiments. (E) B2. Over see and score results from itch testing (E) B3. Teach and assist undergraduate students in laboratory techniques (E)

20%

•

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

from UCLA Physiological Science program and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred

Demonstrated experience in cutting on a cryostat, mounting sections on slides in sequence, and processing with immunohistochemistry.

Required

Demonstrated experience in managing several tasks, keeping all on track and organized.

Required

Experience with following and enforcing guidelines relating to laboratory safety

Required

Demonstrated ability to test mice for sensory deficits

Required

Ability to use standard computer programming tools and databases.

Required

Ability to maintain a laboratory record containing clear well-organized summaries of experiments and results.

Required

Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships

Required

Skill in communicating problems and information in a timely and critical manner.

Required

Ability to conduct independent work on mouse spinal cords including confocal imaging

Required

Knowledge of University guidelines relating to biological safety.

Required

Excellent organizational skills and ability to keep accurate records of animal inventory and, laboratory supplies.

Required

Ability to work independently and follow through with tasks.

Required

Ability to maintain a laboratory record containing clear well-organizedsummaries of experiments and results

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

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

Clery Act: The position is a designated CSA (Campus Security Authority) under Clery Act requirements.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

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.