Job Opening ID: 69086

Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer

Working Title: LABORATORY ASSISTANT

Department: Stem Cell Research Center

Bargaining Unit: TX

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Payroll Job Code: 009603

Job Location: UCI Campus- Irvine

Percent of Time: 100%

Work Schedule: 8-5, M-F

Employee Class: Staff Limited

Today's UC Irvine Stem Cell Research Center is a dynamic center encompassing a diverse array of interdisciplinary investigators that span the schools of Medicine, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Law. Our state-of-the-art, LEED Platinum certified research and clinical building houses 23 of our 50 center faculty members. Center faculty have obtained more than $170 million dollars in grant and foundation funds. Our research programs include an National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored T32 training grant, state of the art shared equipment, research services programs and a seminar series. Job duties include, but are not limited to: Animal care and Histology: Assists in animal laboratory research projects. Research projects may consist of: Assist with breeding colonies (setting up cages, tissue collection for genotyping, detailed record keeping), perform survival and terminal surgical procedures in rodents. Daily monitoring of animals for health. Assist with histological analyses including tissue sectioning staining and/or quantification using stereological analysis of CNS tissue samples using MicroBrightField StereoInvestigator, Volocity and Imaris image analysis software. Cell and Molecular Biology: Duties may include maintenance of multiple cell lines (mouse or human stem cells, cortical cells, etc.), cell culture assays, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, such as DNA/RNA/Protein isolation and electrophoresis, PCR, rtPCR, qPCR, Western Blot, Molecular Cloning, ELISA. Cell culture and differentiation duties may include isolate neural stem cells by mouse brain microdissection, passage, maintain, expand and freeze human and mouse neural and pluripotent stem cells. Follow written protocols to perform neural induction from pluripotent cells. Follow supervisor's instructions on animal husbandry. Cellular Analysis may include cell analysis by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and FACS. May be required to follow written protocols for engineering/bioengineering cell analysis platforms, 3D biomaterials, and sectioning. General Lab Support Maintain lab databases for ordering and inventory. Follow written instructions to prepare stock solutions, cell culture media, and assist other researchers in the lab.

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center | UCI

• Two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma
• Mammalian cell culture experience
• Skill to pipet accurately
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficient writing skills to prepare/compose/review a variety of materials with accuracy and completeness.
• Previous laboratory experience, following basic laboratory procedures and practices.
• Functions well in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to relate easily and effectively with people within and outside the University, including both strong written and verbal communications.
• Availability to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Demonstrates ability to analyze problems/situations and formulate solutions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in handling information to accurately record information, protocols, formulas and data.
• Experience with general lab equipment: pipets, scales, pH meters, centrifuges, power supplies, etc.
• Experience in assisting, testing and standardizing techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in participating in discussion related to research projects.
• Strong ability to multi-task, prioritize and follow up.
• Skill to use an iPhone, iPad, personal computer, computer software programs at the level of sophistication required for general office work.
• Experience with PCs and/or Macs.
• Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with the Internet and how to conduct searches.