Crime Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Title:
LAB AST 1 Department:
NEUROSCIENCE Hiring Pay Scale
$27.04 / Hour Worksite:
La Jolla Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
TX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday
#141242 Lab Assistant I, Neurosciences
Filing Deadline: Wed 9/16/2026
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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 9/7/2026 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.
DESCRIPTION
Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Lab Assistant perform operational level work in a research laboratory requiring delicate manual or manipulative skills in a limited variety of tasks. Assist with utilize mouse model, cell biology, imaging, biochemical and neuropathology techniques for the study of mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The Lab Assistant assist in performing standardized maintenance of normal and transgenic mouse lines, mouse surgeries, histology experiments, mouse brain dissections, primary culture, perform standard cell biology and biochemical experiments, and learn and assist with other techniques. Responsible for detailed observations, accurate recording of data, learning to determine rational assessments of experimental outcomes for potential scientific publications, troubleshooting experiments and assist in making changes to protocols as needed. Other important duties include general laboratory maintenance, prepare reagents and solutions, maintain inventory on reagents and other supplies, and attend and present data at laboratory meetings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from college or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques under supervision, including CRISPR and fluorescence microscopy.
• Ability to assist with basic aseptic and tissue culture techniques.
• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Willingness to become familiar with proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials.
• Ability to read, comprehend, discuss, and present research materials.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols, techniques, and instructions and to keep organized and accurate records and notebooks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills over a wide range of situations and individuals needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population.
• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Organizational skills to maintain lab reagents and supplies.
• Ability to interact professionally, cooperatively, and respectfully with colleagues and laboratory team members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in biology.
• Two years of wet lab research experience.
• Proficient in cell cultures, rodent husbandry and colony maintenance.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Willing to work with animals in a humane manner and in a research related work environment.
• Must be available to work some weekends and evenings to complete experiments.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $56,460 - $67,463 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $27.04 - $32.31
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).
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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 our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
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Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace