Research lab Tech III

The Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) at the University of Southern California (USC) is currently seeking a talented and self-motivated Research Lab Technician III to join the Laboratory of Dr. Albert E. Almada in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (SCRM); and Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

The Almada Laboratory is investigating one of the greatest mysteries in muscle regenerative biology—how stem cells are turned on (activated) to rebuild functional muscle tissue after traumatic injury. Their multi-disciplinary team integrates state-of-the-art experimental and bioinformatic approaches to study this biological phenomenon at the molecular, cellular, and organ level in various vertebrate species, ranging the evolutionary continuum from lizards, to mice, and humans. Importantly, they investigate how stem cell dysfunction contributes to aging and muscular dystrophy, hoping to translate their basic science discoveries into therapies that benefit human health and longevity (https://almadalab.usc.edu). The Almada lab is currently supported by two Junior Faculty awards from the Baxter Foundation, Glenn Foundation/American Federation of Aging Research (AFAR), and a recent R01 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

This is a fixed-term, full-time position. The Research Lab Technician will assist faculty with research studies. The hourly rate range for this position is $31.44 -$31.44. 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises unit employees and/or student workers, as assigned. Assists in recruitment, screening, hiring, orientation and training of unit staff. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback. Counsels or disciplines supervised employees, as required. Recommends stronger disciplinary action or terminates employees, if so assigned.
• Plans and conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols. Independently performs non-routine and complex research laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct experiments. Provides analyses and interpretations of results for review by supervisor. May contribute to the writing of technical papers.
• Provides input and updates on progress of research and makes recommendations for modification as appropriate.
• Selects, modifies, or adapts equipment and procedures to specific research needs. Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory and scientific equipment. Troubleshoots equipment problems and performs standard repairs.
• Controls equipment and supplies inventory. Recommends purchase, locates, negotiates prices, and orders equipment and supplies for funded research, proposals, graduate research and student labs. Maintains vendor contacts and backup purchase documentation files for reference or reporting, as needed.
• Researches, compiles and evaluates background information to enhance planning and design of experiments. Stays current in field of research to contribute to research planning and design activities and equipment planning

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Specialized/technical training Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Fully competent and proficient in the operation of sophisticated scientific equipment and independently able to perform complex procedures and techniques with accuracy