Laboratory Assistant I - Neurology

University of California - Los Angeles Health
United States, California, Los Angeles
Mar 15, 2025
Description The Laboratory Assistant will conduct scientific research of multiple sclerosis using mouse models of demyelination and neurodegeneration; experimental autoimmune encephalomyelititis (EAE), under the supervision of a lab manager. The skills required for this position are; EAE induction, clinically scoring and disease assessment of mice, mouse breeding, tissue collection for DNA isolation and genotyping, assist in ovariectomy and castrations, assist in perfusion and tissue harvest for pathological studies of diseased mice and performing lab maintenance tasks (washing dishes, autoclaving materials, ordering and inventory of lab supplies and make frequently-used reagents as lab stock). Lastly, the employee will be assisting the postdoc for data collection and analysis. Salary Range: $19.90 - $23.04/Hourly Qualifications Required: Demonstrated ability to work with and check breeding of small rodents (mice and rats). Demonstrated ability to perform molecular analysis (PCR) on rodent cells. Ability to breed and screen knock out mice for gene rearrangements. Ability to score and care for mice with EAE. Oral and written communication skills to provide information, and update of progress assignments. Mac skills and Word and database software programs. Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment, supplies, and animals to maintain inventory and stock. Working knowledge of PCR, and gel apparatus. Knowledge of University purchasing procedures and regulations. Possess excellent verbal and written English skill. Preferred: Psychobiology Major with junior standing. Ability to carry out survival surgeries, including castration and ovariectomy. Ability to collect tissues from adult mice and harvesting CNS tissues. Ability to understand and record mouse behavior. Ability to tabulate results accurately and present them verbally in a comprehensive presentation to the supervisor. Ability to learn new software programs and laboratory techniques as needed. Familiarity with multiple sclerosis models in rodents.