Lab Research Specialist 5

LAB RSCH SPEC 5 (005590)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_1000233

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

8/14/2026 5:56:46 PM

Date Last Edited:

8/14/2026 5:56:39 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1600O

Organization:

BASIC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES              

Division Code:

1610D

Division:

BASIC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES DIV          

Department:

230100 - MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNO & MOLECULAR GENETIC

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_1000233

Position Description ID

263256

UC Payroll Title:

LAB RSCH SPEC 5 (005590)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 25

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

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:

40043149

Reports to Payroll Title:

Professor

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40043149

Department Head Payroll Title:

Professor

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 Research Specialist 5 will perform professional work in support of biological scientific research and contribute to the development of research goals for the Owen Witte laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG). Working collaboratively with the investigator, the incumbent will determine the most suitable methods to be used in research; independently perform scientific investigative procedures requiring application of professional judgment;  interpret experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with experimental goals; review pertinent literature for information that will further research goals; and prepare reports of research for presentation or publication.

The incumbent will be expected to perform flow cytometric analyses and fluorescence activated cell sorting using multi-laser cell sorters on human and non-human animal cells including embryonic and other pluripotent stem cells to find, characterize and isolate stem cells and progenitors from both mouse and human origins. Work with investigators to establish experimental design. Maintain flow cytometer's peak performance and optimize instrument configurations for specialized investigations. Operate and maintain FACS instruments, coordinate instrument service and trouble-shoot problems. Maintain accurate experimental and machine quality control (Q.C.) records, including Biosafety measurement for aerosol containment. Perform and train investigators in data analysis using specialized software programs. Develop mechanisms for tracking instrument use, Flow Resource SOPs, applications, and user qualifications.

The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) is ranked among the top 10 microbiology departments in the country. We are proud of our internationally recognized faculty—whose research funding, in total, is among the highest in the nation; and whose research spans the disciplines of structural biology, cell biology, bacterial physiology, bacterial development and gene regulation, bacterial pathogenesis, virology and viral pathogenesis, molecular and cellular parasitology, immunology, molecular genetics, stem cell biology, cancer biology, and computational biology. We leverage this scientific diversity—along with our partnerships with other institutes, centers and departments at UCLA—to further cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and enrich teaching.

The MIMG department’s mission is to provide the highest quality research and education possible in the fields of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, informed by diverse scientific viewpoints. To meet this goal, we shall foster an inclusive climate and recruit a diverse group of scientists, educators, and students, who will address the most relevant problems in microbial pathogenesis, host cell biology, immune defense, and the host-pathogen interface.

Specialized Experimental Procedures

1. Perform various specialized scientific investigative procedures in support of assigned research projects.

2. Conduct literature reviews to be used in determining most suitable research methods.

3. Identify methodological problems in research protocol and implement modifications to optimize experimental results.

4. Review available technology and assist in bringing appropriate new technology into the laboratory.

5. Use software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical analyses of data.

6. With minimal supervision, prepares reports about research projects for presentation at scientific meetings. With guidance, is able to prepare manuscripts for publication.

7. Sole or majority responsibility for a research project. Intermediate to long term impact on results of entire group.

8. Perform complex flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting on human and non-human animal cells including embryonic and other pluripotent stem cells.

9. Work with investigators and technical personnel on the experimental design of flow cytometry studies; provide procedures and resources as needed.

10. Schedule experiments to optimize instrument usage. Maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate hard-to-schedule sorts. Work evenings and weekends, if necessary.

11. Maintain complete and accurate experimental records including recovery and purity of every sort performed.

12. Recognize irregular or invalid results and consult with the users to determine possible cause.

60%

Laboratory Activities

1. With minimal input from the supervisor, reviews operational needs and develops and implements intermediate and long term goals.

2. Develop and manage work schedules for entire group.

3. Routinely develops innovative techniques and systems required to meet research goals.

4. Trains others in complex processes.

5. On a routine basis, reviews research activities to determine where new information could improve processes or move projects forward.

6. Adapts and develops novel flow cytometry applications and protocols of interest to facility users.

7. Checks the accuracy of instruments and reagents used for the projects by performing established laboratory quality control procedures to confirm validity of test results.

8. Maintain computer and peripherals.

9. Participate in drafting research manuscripts.

10. Review current literature on aspects of flow cytometry technology and assist in identifying and implementing changes that keep the laboratory current.

11. Develop Witte laboratory SOPs, applications, and user qualifications.

12. Provide appropriate education and training of users.

13. Collaborates and shares protocols and other technical assistance with Witte laboratory and collaborators.

14. Work with non-human animal models, including mice. Performs related surgeries and prepares tissues.

20%

Perform Instrument Optimization and Aerosol Containment Testing on Cell Sorters.

1. Examine machine quality control records for unusual results and evaluate maintenance needs.

2. Perform corrective measures including preventive maintenance, repair and machine optimization.

3. Consult with field service person on repairs; schedule service visits when needed.

4. Maintain required materials for Biosafety testing of flow cytometer.

5. Perform aerosol containment testing of sorting equipment and document results.

6. Report test results to supervisor and lab director.

7. Validate novel testing methods as they become available.

15%

Training and Leadership

1. Train new technicians in Witte laboratory in the procedures for flow cytometry measurements and cell sorting including specialized preparation of multi-color stained samples and pre- and post-sorted cell processing, and provide guidance to assure work quality.

2. Develop curricula for the formal courses in basic flow cytometry and nucleic acid analysis and teach their practical aspects.

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

Bachelor's Degree

In related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

Master's Degree

In related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

PhD

PhD or equivalent in biological sciences

Preferred

Experience in immunofluorescent techniques and flow cytometer operations with human and non-human animal cells including embryonic and other pluripotent stem cells.

Required

Experience in operating a fluorescence activated cell sorter and fluorescence activated cell analyzers

Required

Experience in an immunologic laboratory performing cell surface staining with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometric analysis.

Required

Skill in laboratory safety protocols including handling and disposal of infectious specimens.

Required

Skill in reading and following instructions in laboratory protocols and other scientific documents; skill in creating and editing lab SOPs, applications, and user qualifications; oral and written technical and non-technical communication skills.

Required

Skill in asceptic techniques including working with cells, microliter volumes and centrifuges.

Preferred

Skill to train others and cooperate with a research team; skill in providing appropriate education and training of users.

Required

Skill in math including computing ratios, percentages.

Required

Skill in working with computers.

Required

Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload and with frequent distractions; skill in organization and priority setting which accurately reflects the relative importance of tasks; ability to modify work schedule.

Required

Skill in working with minimal supervision to carry out assigned work. Skill in recognizing problems and aberrant results and taking appropriate action including asking questions or notifying the laboratory supervisor.

Required

College level courses in most of the following areas: biology, biochemistry, immunology.

Required

Skill in the use of balance and pH meter for solution preparation.

Required

Skill in performing non-human animal model surgeries and related tissue preparation.

Required

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:

Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

5-720 MRL

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

X

Other Environmental Requirements

Handling and disposal of infectious specimens

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.