Laboratory Assistant 3 - Neurology

Description

The Lab Assistant III will contribute to impactful research focused on multiple sclerosis and menopausal cognitive deficits using rodent models. This position supports a wide range of laboratory activities, including execution of experiments using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in accordance with approved protocols, such as EAE induction, daily clinical scoring, and provision of specialized animal care. Responsibilities also include performing rodent survival surgeries (e.g., ovariectomy and castration), administering treatments, and collecting blood and tissues for genotyping, pathological analysis, and immunostaining.

The Lab Assistant III will conduct behavioral and cognitive testing, perform tissue processing and immunostaining, acquire and analyze imaging data, and process experimental outcomes using established analytical tools. The role further includes maintaining laboratory operations by organizing laboratory spaces, preparing reagents, ordering supplies, managing equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and animal welfare requirements. In a collaborative team environment, the Lab Assistant III will provide technical and organizational support to the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral researchers, senior scientists, and trainees through data collection, analysis, documentation, and research coordination.

This position requires a highly organized and motivated individual with strong technical skills, attention to detail, effective communication abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to teamwork and supporting research initiatives within a collaborative laboratory setting.

Hourly salary range: $28.83 - $34.31 .

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline, such as neuroscience, biology, immunology, molecular biology, or physiological sciences and/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Minimum of two years of laboratory experience or training in neurology, neuroscience, or a related life science field.

Demonstrated ability to perform animal husbandry and breeding of small rodents, including pup weaning, tissue collection, and maintenance of animal records and databases.

Demonstrated experience with experimental rodent disease models, including induction, scoring, and specialized care of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Ability to administer drugs and treatments in rodents, including subcutaneous pellet implantation, intraperitoneal (IP) injection, and use of mini ‑ pumps.

Ability to conduct behavioral and cognitive testing in rodents, including rotarod and other behavioral assays.

Skill in tissue collection and processing, including perfusion of prenatal and adult mice and harvesting and cryostat sectioning of central nervous system tissues.

Skill in immunostaining, confocal microscopy image acquisition, and image analysis, including use of ImageJ and batch processing workflows.

Ability to process, analyze, and organize experimental data, including use of Excel and statistical software tools to summarize results.

Ability to accurately document, interpret, and present experimental results in written summaries and verbal presentations to the principal investigator and research team.

Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to provide instructions, training, and technical guidance to laboratory personnel.

Demonstrated supervisory skills, including training, assigning tasks to, and reviewing the work of undergraduate researchers.

Knowledge of standard laboratory operations and compliance requirements, including use of laboratory equipment, inventory management, animal care regulations, and university purchasing procedures.

UCLA Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Fundamentals training

UCLA‑required animal research trainings, including CITI Program training, DLAM online training modules, DLAM hands‑on mouse handling training

Medical Health Questionnaire

Preferred:

At least two years of laboratory or experimental animal handling experience, including rodent handling.

Ability to perform rodent survival surgeries, such as ovariectomy and castration, in accordance with approved protocols.

Demonstrated ability to read and interpret scientific literature to remain current with laboratory techniques, protocols, and research practices.

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At UCLA Health, you can help heal humankind, one patient at a time by improving health, alleviating suffering and delivering acts of kindness. As you do, you’ll achieve great things in your life and your career. We’re a world-class health organization with four hospitals consistently recognized among the nation’s very best as well as an internationally-renowned medical school, primary and specialty care clinics and much more. Within our dynamic, innovative and growing organization, you’ll find exceptional opportunities to make the most of your abilities in a supportive, empowering and inclusive environment. If you embrace our values of Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence and Discovery we invite you to see all you can accomplish at UCLA Health.

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