Research Lab Tech II

The USC Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine is seeking a Research Lab Technician II position. We seek a motivated Research Laboratory Technician II to join our translational research program. This position involves the development and validation of cell-based assays that will be applied towards translational studies in regenerative medicine.  This is a shared position between the laboratories of Drs. Mark Humayun and Charles Murry.  The research scope is on the development of therapeutics to treat cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure, and neurosensory disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Job Summary:

This position requires the development and validation of  cell-based assays. Particularly,

the characterization of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) and their derivatives.

Job Accountabilities:

• Prepares experimental materials using laboratory protocols and safety guidelines

• Optimizes stem cell differentiation protocols and expands cell production capabilities toward clinical scale.

• Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols

• Collects laboratory measurements and data

• Prepares standard operating procedures and writes reports

• Presents data at laboratory meeting and assists PIs in preparation of slide decks for external presentation

• Develops and validates cell-based assays

• Prepares reagents, buffer, and cell culture media

• Sets up and operates standard laboratory equipment

• Maintains meticulous and accurate experimental records

• Conducts analyses of experimental data

• Monitors inventory levels and orders or secures supplies as needed

• Maintains laboratory environment in orderly, operable condition

• Conducts library/web/dry lab research to assist in the planning and design of experiments

• Learns and follows laboratory safety procedures under the direction of the USC Safety Office and more experienced laboratory staff

• Routinely utilizes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

• Acquires new skills and techniques in the field as needed

Qualifications:

• Education: Undergraduate degree in a field of biological sciences

• - Experience with cell culture and the development of cell-based assays

Preferred: 

Expertise in growth and characterization of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) and their derivatives

• Experience in flow cytometry

• Experience in the development and validation of hPSC analytical assays

• Experience with microplate-based fluorescent and colorimetric assays

• Familiarity with the differentiation of cardiomyocytes and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

• Experience with routine molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, western blotting, nucleic acid and protein extraction

• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

The annual base salary range for this position is $24.23- $30.32. 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.

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. 

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.