Research Lab Technician II

The Neuropathology Core/Brain Bank of the USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center seeks a Research Technician II to join our research team. Under direct supervision of the Bank Director, the technician will perform Brain Bank biological laboratory work. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for assisting with scientific aspects of the Neuropathology core including human brain dissection, fixation, processing, accession, sample organization, and data management. The incumbent is responsible for independent planning and fulfillment of bio-sample requests including brain tissue, blood, plasma and/or cerebrospinal fluid, as well as associated case data. May be required to isolate, on an as-needed basis, RNA and DNA, or to perform immunostaining.

This position is responsible for aspects of general laboratory maintenance, and safety. The incumbent will maintain a working knowledge of biological and chemical waste procedures and will be the laboratory's point of contact for waste disposal. This position will implement, and troubleshoot the Brain Bank’s freezer monitoring system.

Other duties are to include a wide variety of other procedures such as shipping biological substances, lab member EH&S training oversight, authoring Biological and Chemical Hazard Use Authorizations, and providing work direction and support to other research lab personnel. The incumbent may also carry out experiments aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration in neurological disorders.

The position will require experience in basic biologic lab techniques and excellent organization skills. There is the occasional need for flexible work hours to meet the demands of the experimental protocols and processing timelines.

Responsibilities:

• Brain bank scientific organization including human brain dissection, fixation, processing, accession, sample organization, and data management.
• Independent planning and fulfillment of bio-sample requests including brain tissue, blood, plasma and/or cerebrospinal fluid, as well as associated case data.
• Conduct basic molecular biology techniques that may include DNA/RNA isolation, analysis, and immunostaining.
• Use basic computer software for bank organization, data management and tissue requests.
• Prepare commonly used lab reagents and chemical solutions.
• Maintain general lab organization and ordering as well as compliance with university environmental health and safety standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Grant Funded Position

Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Hourly range
The hourly rate range for this position is $24.46 – $30.14. 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.

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. Preferred Experience: Basic biologic lab technique