Lab Assistant 2 - UCSB Moeller Lab

Lab Assistant

Serves as a general lab assistant. Performs tasks that support the operations of an ecology and evolution research lab. As part of a research team, maintains microbial cultures using sterile technique, conducts routine analyses, and prepares chemical reagents and media. Occasionally sets up complex laboratory equipment for measurements of photosynthesis and respiration by marine microbes, and performs protein and DNA extractions. Some maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies, such as keeping records, maintaining stocks of routine supplies, and checking and logging the performance of laboratory equipment such as growth chambers. Computer work involves entering and maintaining collected data, some graphing and supervised data analysis.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 20% Data Analysis and Entry - Under close supervision, enters collected data into databases and extracts data from literature for these databases. Some graphing and supervised data analysis.
• 30% Experiments - Aids in set up on microbial ecology experiments in the lab (and occasionally in the field) under the supervision of the PI, graduate students, or postdoctoral scholars. This will include repetitive tasks such as grinding, weighing, and preparing samples. It may also include minor work in field sites off campus.
• 30% Laboratory Analysis - Performs sample preparation and takes routine measurements (such as measurements of growth rate, photosynthetic health, and cell pigmentation).
• 10% Laboratory Maintenance - Orders equipment, reagents, and supplies. Maintains equipment.
• 10% Miscellaneous - Various other duties as assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity: 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 status under state or federal law.