Research Lab Technician II

The Rao Lab at the University of Southern California (USC) Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is seeking a seeking a highly organized Research Lab Technician II for the Quantitative Disease and Drug Modeling Center for the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy.

The Research Lab Technician II position will conduct research experiments that focus on designing and optimizing new treatment regimens that are effective against highly resistant bacterial pathogens. The goals of the Rao lab are to gain mechanistic understanding about antibiotic-bacteria-host interactions to design new therapeutic regimens effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. We focus on using in vitro as well as in vivo models of infections to optimize antibiotic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics against these highly resistant pathogens. Additionally, we employ multi-disciplinary techniques in our research using aspects of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, pharmacometrics and systems biology to pursue our goals.

PREFERRED MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have a keen desire to work with bacteria and phage, handling rodents, conducting related research experiments, and strong organizational skills/experience. Candidates do not need to possess all the desired skills but must be motivated to learn.

• Master’s degree in a related science field is preferred along with experience in a lab setting, preferably in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology or pharmaceutical sciences.
• Data collection and management and proficiency in all standard Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• The candidate should have the aptitude to work independently and be able to quickly learn new methods and concepts.
• Attention to detail and strong interpersonal communications are required.
• Knowledge or experience in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling using tools like R, ADAPT and NONMEM is strongly preferred.

The hourly rate range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00.  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.