USC

Research Lab Technician II

$53k|Los Angeles, CA

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The school has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology.

The USC Davis School of Gerontology is seeking a Research Lab Technician II to join its team! This person will join a lab working on the molecular basis of aging and age-related diseases. This is an opportunity for a reliable and self-motivated person to participate in cutting-edge aging research. They will be working mainly with African turquoise killifish cells and tissues, and help manage our African fish colony. They will also assist with data generation and analysis derived from aging turquoise killifish, and will make contributions to related research projects in the laboratory. Primary responsibilities are to manage and genotype a colony of African turquoise killifish (including daily husbandry and feeding responsibilities). Secondary responsibilities will be to coordinate with other lab members, including students, to make sure the fish are taken care of according to best animal welfare practices. Other responsibilities include aspects of lab management support (i.e. ordering basic supplies, and maintaining proper lab records).

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Manage the husbandry of a small to medium fish colony (30-100 tanks).
Perform basic experiments and data analysis to support research lab projects, in collaboration with the PI and other lab members. Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.
Perform general lab maintenance as needed. Help maintain lab stocks, chemical inventory, and safety records, and provide general lab support, including help placing orders.
Help train new lab members in fish husbandry techniques.
Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adaptation of existing protocols to the model.
May contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
Perform general lab maintenance as needed. Help maintain lab stocks, chemical inventory, and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.

Our ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry or related field. They will be already comfortable working with vertebrate animals (more specifically fish), especially in a laboratory context. They will have experience with PCR and other basic laboratory techniques. This position requires strong organizational skills, and the ability to interact with the PI and others lab members on a daily basis.

The hourly rate for this position is $25.71. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations

This position is funded by a research contract/grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment.

Benefits include a competitive salary, and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more. This is a full-time salaried position that will require substantial commitment and flexibility.

If you are interested, please submit your application. Please include a cover letter and resume with references.

Thank you for your interest

Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Specialized/technical training, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 2 years

Minimum Field of Expertise: Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols. Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.

USC 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, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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