Lab Assistant

#138056 Lab Assistant Filing Deadline:
Tue 1/27/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment:
Apply by 1/15/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants:
Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

The Center for Neural Repair (CNR) is within the UCSD department of Neurosciences. Our goal is to understand and enhance mechanisms of CNS regeneration after spinal cord injury. Projects in animals are designed toward finding clinically relevant advances and translational therapies to treat human paralysis and neurodegenerative disease.

Under supervision, Lab Assistant 2 performs daily procedures on animals as part of a stem cell graft treatment study of spinal cord injured (SCI) laboratory rodents. Other duties include performing basic laboratory duties such as pipetting, weighing and making solutions, general laboratory maintenance and assisting with ordering lab supplies. May also assist with behavioral observation test on rodents. Perform neuroscience specific techniques such as coating slides for tissue mounting and sectioning rodent brain and spinal cord tissue for histological analysis.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Two years of college including courses in biological sciences and one (1) year of lab experience, OR equivalent combination of high school diploma (or GED) and relevant two (2) year
  
  S of lab experience.
• Knowledge of general laboratory methods.
• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to fulfill the tasks related to rodent handling and restraint and other minor procedures.
• Demonstrated excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrated skill in accurate record keeping. Ability to organize/analyze/calculate data and produce results in graphic or visual formats.
• Proven ability in handling and preparation of solutions, chemicals, and drugs.
• Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements and procedures.
• Demonstrated skill sectioning rodent tissue using a microtome.
• Experience working with Liquid Nitrogen.
• Experience doing behavioral testing/training with rats.

• Knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets. Knowledge of basic lab equipment.
• Knowledge of antiseptic techniques, and ability to create standard media solutions and buffers.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be able and willing to work with rats.
• Must be willing to work on weekends and holidays.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $48,295 - $56,794 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $23.13 - $27.20

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands‑on practice and in‑person skills assessment; online‑only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and…