"Lab Assistant II (Limited Pool)"

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is Step 1: $23.22 - Step 5: $27.35. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $23.22/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re-apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 6/30/2026.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit UPTE: Technical - TX.

Please note: These are temporary positions.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Dependent on openings.

About the Job

Under supervision incumbents perform one or more standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures that require technical scientific knowledge and skills which might be expected from incumbents at the college 'lower division' level or from incumbents who have acquired equivalent knowledge and skills through experience.

Technical assignments at this level typically include duties such as: preparing samples for radiochemical analyses, preparing complex reagents and media using basic ingredients, processing serum from whole blood, preparing components required for media making, preparing specimens for examination by professional and/or academic personnel, preparing concentration specimens, removing fluids and preservatives by pipetting and using solvents, preparing smear and imprint impressions, processing and sectioning tissues, preparing and staining slides, grinding tissues and placing in suspension for passage into host animals, and dissecting laboratory animals exposing tissues for examination.

Incumbents may, when in charge of laboratory equipment and supplies, keep records; maintain, order, store and dispense a limited variety of standard supplies for a complex of student laboratories; assure availability of materials used by students in laboratory classes such as chemical compounds, unknowns, microscopes, culture media and models; set up and maintain equipment such as fume hoods, fans, emergency lights, water drains and special fixtures; and assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

Qualifications

• High school or a General Education Diploma.
• 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.
• Skill to organize and prioritize a diversified workload with attention to detail and multiple deadlines.
• Responsible for maintaining clean and safe work environment and keeping laboratory stocked.
• Demonstrated ability to function efficiently and well in a team environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills to establish & maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated organizational skills for field / lab usage assignments and coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate database files.
• Perform word processing using Microsoft Word and data entry on PC and/or Mac.
• Responsible for maintaining clean and safe work environment and keeping laboratory stocked.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment.