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Perfusionist Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... for lab trainees. We are particularly interested in candidates with hands-on experience in ... perfusion, and immunohistochemistry. Conduct tissue culture and assist in viral vector (AAV ...

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Perfusionist Trainee information

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How much do perfusionist trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist trainee in the United States is $85.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67.07 and $93.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Perfusionist Trainee job?

A Perfusionist Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals training to become certified perfusionists. Perfusionists operate heart-lung machines and other equipment during cardiac surgery to maintain a patient's circulatory and respiratory functions. As a trainee, you will work under the supervision of experienced perfusionists, learning how to monitor blood flow, manage oxygenation, and handle emergency situations. This role involves both classroom education and hands-on clinical training in a hospital setting. Successful completion of the training program is required to become a certified perfusionist.

What does a typical day look like for a Perfusionist Trainee working in a hospital setting?

As a Perfusionist Trainee, your day typically involves assisting senior perfusionists with preparing and operating heart-lung machines during cardiovascular surgeries, monitoring patient blood parameters, and maintaining sterile equipment. You may participate in preoperative briefings, document perfusion data, and respond to real-time emergencies under supervision. The role is highly collaborative, with close interactions alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other operating room staff. Over time, trainees are entrusted with more hands-on responsibilities as their expertise grows, making each day filled with learning and practical skill development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Perfusionist Trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perfusionist Trainee, you need a solid background in biological sciences, attention to detail, and the ability to follow strict protocols, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with heart-lung machines, monitoring devices, and sterile techniques, along with basic life support certifications, are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and stress management skills help trainees adapt and excel during complex surgical procedures. These capabilities are vital to ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in high-pressure operating room settings.

Are perfusionists still in demand?

Perfusionists are currently in demand due to the ongoing need for cardiac surgeries and advanced medical procedures. The role requires specialized training and certification, and employment opportunities are generally stable in hospitals and surgical centers. As healthcare continues to evolve, skilled perfusionists remain a vital part of surgical teams.

How do you train to be a perfusionist?

To train as a perfusionist, individuals typically complete a bachelor's degree in health sciences or a related field, followed by specialized perfusion training through a formal program or certification course. Many states or countries require certification from a recognized board, and training includes classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and proficiency with perfusion equipment and techniques.

Can you make 300k as a perfusionist?

Perfusionists typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, with experienced professionals in high-demand regions potentially earning higher wages. Reaching a $300,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, working in specialized or high-cost-of-living areas, or taking on leadership roles. Such earnings are uncommon for entry-level trainees but may be achievable later in a career with significant expertise and responsibility.

How much do perfusionists make starting out?

Starting salaries for perfusionist trainees typically range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the region, healthcare facility, and level of education. Entry-level perfusionists often need certification and hands-on training, which can influence initial pay rates.
More about Perfusionist Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Perfusionist Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Perfusionist Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Perfusionist jobs? The most popular types of Perfusionist jobs are:
What states have the most Perfusionist Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Perfusionist Trainee jobs include:
Laboratory Assistant 3 - Neurology

Laboratory Assistant 3 - Neurology

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$28.83 - $34.31/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

General Information
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Work Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Onsite or Remote
Fully On-Site
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Posted Date
06/25/2026
Salary Range: $27.46 - 32.68 Hourly
Employment Type
2 - Staff: Career
Duration
Indefinite
Job #
31525
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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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.
Job Qualifications
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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.
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.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.

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About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955