Lab Assistant

Position Information

The Lab Assistant plays an important role in supporting innovative biomedical research within the Pellecchia Lab at the UCR School of Medicine. Under general supervision, the incumbent contributes to a range of laboratory activities, including cell culture, experimental assays, and the preparation and maintenance of lab materials and equipment. This position supports cutting-edge research by assisting with the execution of established protocols, collecting and documenting data, and helping to ensure the lab operates efficiently and safely. Working closely with research staff, graduate students, and project scientists, the Lab Assistant contributes to advancing scientific discovery in a collaborative and dynamic research environment. The full salary range for this position will be $25.75 - $30.17 per hour. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $29.19 per hour. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Please note: this is a career appointment with an end date of June 30, 2026. Extension is contingent upon funding.

Requirements

Educational Requirements

Degree

Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and 1 year of laboratory experience or 2 years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Requirement

Required

Degree

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience or related science areas.

Requirement

Preferred

Experience Requirements

Experience

Prior related laboratory experience.

Requirement

Required

Experience

Previous experience in mouse work.

Requirement

Minimum Requirements

• Skill in organization and attention to detail and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform labwork under supervision by project scientist and senior graduate students.
• Ability to make solutions, trouble shoot and think through laboratory techniques with supervision.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Windows and Macintosh computer platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of principles of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology.
• Knowledge of techniques in cell culture and western blotting.

Additional Information

In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.

• UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
• UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
• UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
• Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
• Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
• UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview

Job Description Details

Department Custom Scope

Under general supervision, the Lab Assistant provides technical and operational support for laboratory research activities within the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The incumbent performs routine to moderately complex laboratory procedures, including cell culture techniques, experimental assays, and data collection, following established protocols and safety guidelines. The role supports ongoing research projects by assisting with experimental preparation, maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies, and documentation of results. The position requires basic knowledge of biological and chemical laboratory methods, attention to detail, and the ability to follow standard operating procedures. The Lab Assistant works collaboratively with research staff, graduate students, and project scientists to ensure efficient lab operations and contributes to maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment. Please note: this is a career appointment with an end date of June 30, 2026. Extension is contingent upon funding.