Research Lab Technician I

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work.  

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Research Lab Technician I in the McElvain Laboratory (https://www.mcelvainlab.org/), Neurobiology Department. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Position Responsibilities:

Our labs investigate the brain circuits that control movement, and the research technician will play a central role in running neurobiology experiments and in supporting lab operations and administration. There will be an opportunity to develop an independent research project, if so desired. Experimental approaches used by the labs include histology, microscopy, animal behavior, computational methods, molecular assays, and electrophysiology.

The successful applicant should be detail-oriented, able to follow systematic lab protocols, and communicate effectively. This position will support the opportunity to learn new scientific techniques, participate in career development activities, and will be eligible for a generous benefits package.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in neurobiology, neuroscience, psychobiology, or other relevant science or engineering discipline.
• 1-2+ years of previous research experience in neurobiology
• Experience in any of the following is strongly preferred: microscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, mouse behavior, MATLAB or other programming skills, and data analysis.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking a long-term position as well as from recent college graduates who want to gain more research experience before applying to graduate school. Above all, we value candidates who are highly motivated and willing to learn and thrive in a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment.

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $20.18 - $24.55, depending on experience. 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.

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

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 6 - 12 months, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Ability to follow detailed instructions, oral and written