Part-Time Lab Assistant - Brady Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We have a great opportunity for a Part-Time Lab Assistant to join Dr. Siobhan Brady’s lab in the Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center at the University of California, Davis. The Brady lab asks the question – How do cells within plant roots respond to the multitude of stresses they face in the world? From cell type molecular signatures to networks, the lab team works to harness these adaptive responses to help tackle current and future environmental challenges. Research in the Brady lab also focuses on understanding how a network of transcriptional interactions regulates tissue development and function. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting

About the Lab Assistant role:
The ideal Lab Assistant candidate is a reliable and motivated undergraduate student who will assist with routine plant growth and experimental preparation in the Controlled Environment Facility (CEF). This is a part-time position that requires working in the lab approximately 7 hours per week and would be an excellent fit for someone who can commit to staying with the lab for up to 1 year with the potential to extend further based on lab needs.

This role will be paid at a minimum of $17.40/hour and be commensurate with the chosen candidate’s education, skills, and experience.

What we provide:

• Joining a vibrant, collaborative, and enthusiastic lab team

• Joining the UC Davis research community

• Opportunities to gain professional work experience supporting the day-to-day activities of an academic research laboratory

• A competitive hourly pay rate

What you’ll do:

• Washing, autoclaving, and drying sand

• Preparing plant growth media, pots, and other growth materials

• Sowing and transplanting plants, watering plants, and monitoring and maintaining plants throughout research experiments

• Maintaining lab cleanliness and organization

• Adhering to all laboratory safety and compliance policies and standards

What you bring:

• A high school diploma or GED is required. Candidates who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences (biology, biomedical science, biomedical engineering, etc.) are preferred.

• Previous experience with laboratory work, greenhouse work, and/or growing plants is preferred, but not required as training will be provided.

• Ability to be dependable, organized, attentive to detail with good recordkeeping skills

• Comfort with performing hands-on experimental work.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to 50 pounds (such as bags of sand, a laptop computer, or a tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1