Biology Jobs at UCLA, USA | Lab Assistant | Apply Now
If you are a life sciences graduate with a specialized background in microbial genetics and wet-lab operations looking to advance your research career, this full-time position at UCLA is an exceptional opportunity. Located on the bustling campus in Los Angeles, California, this role embeds you directly within the world-renowned UCLA School of Dentistry. For methodical bench analysts searching for a high-impact Lab Assistant Job, this position offers hands-on ownership of bacterial genetics projects, molecular cloning pipelines, and mammalian cell cultures. It serves as an elite launchpad for a long-term UCLA Career and stands out as a premier choices for anyone tracking competitive Biology Jobs in Southern California’s academic ecosystem.
- Job Position: Lab Assistant 1
- Position Description ID: 256331
- Location: Los Angeles
About The UniversityÂ
The School of Dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is consistently recognized as a world leader in dental education, clinical training, and oral health research. The school fosters a dynamic, forward-looking environment where top-tier faculty, staff, and student dentists collaborate to transform oral medicine, craniofacial biology, and tissue engineering. Operating within a world-renowned research university, the laboratories at UCLA Dentistry bridge fundamental microbiology with translational health solutions. This specific research group provides an interdisciplinary space where early-career technicians work alongside postdoctoral fellows and principal investigators, offering an exceptional foundation in advanced microbial mechanics and biomolecular workflows.
Biology Jobs – Key Responsibilities
As a Lab Assistant 1, your work week will be clearly divided between execution of complex biological experiments and foundational laboratory governance.
- Experimentation & Research Execution (90% of Time)
- Microbial & Molecular Assays: Performing precise DNA/RNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Genetic Engineering: Executing standard molecular cloning protocols, vector design, and targeted mutagenesis experiments to advance this Lab Assistant Job.
- Cellular Upkeep: Maintaining and passaging cell cultures, formulating chemical solutions, sterile media, and laboratory buffers (with options to assist in animal models if desired).
- Data Logging & Dissemination: Recording all experimental procedures, reviewing data streams with supervisors, drafting clear laboratory reports, and presenting findings at weekly lab meetings.
- Laboratory Management & Governance (10% of Time)
- Database Curation: Maintaining critical laboratory databases, including tracking systems for custom bacterial strains, plasmids, and antibodies to secure an organized Biology Jobs workspace.
- Sterilization & Logistics: Performing routine autoclaving, sorting incoming inventory, organizing bench supplies, and ensuring general facility readiness.
Qualifications & Profile Requirements For Biology Jobs
This technical vacancy is meticulously tailored for self-motivated, organized professionals who possess explicit niche experience in anaerobic or oral microbiology.
- Required Criteria:
- Niche Genetic Expertise: Prior hands-on laboratory experience in Actinomyces genetics is strictly required to accelerate your onboarding.
- Technical & Data Literacy: Advanced knowledge of molecular biology equipment, analysis principles, and data acquisition software.
- Operational Agility: Willingness and ability to move between multiple projects concurrently, taking direction from several supervisors.
- Schedule Flexibility: Consistent attendance and punctuality, with the ability to adapt cooperatively to scheduling updates, including occasional weekend coverage or extra hours.
- Preferred Assets:
- Educational Foundation: A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, or a closely related quantitative scientific discipline.
- Analytical Chemistry Skills: Ability to perform rapid mathematical calculations for molarity, molecular weight conversions, and complex serial dilutions to enhance your UCLA Career.
In short, the Lab Assistant 1 position at UCLA Dentistry is a definitive route to transitioning your microbiology background into a highly respected academic asset. Securing this appointment allows you to bypass general laboratory housekeeping and take direct technical command of the molecular cloning, Actinomyces mutagenesis, and PCR pipelines that dictate next-generation oral health discovery. If you reside in the Los Angeles area, possess verified experience in Actinomyces biology, and thrive in a structured research environment, apply today to secure this premier Lab Assistant Job, launch a highly rewarding UCLA Career, and lock in this outstanding choice among top Biology Jobs.
