Research Lab Technician II

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, 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, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

USC’s Alfred Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy is seeking a Research Lab Technician II.

Job Accountabilities:

• Implement plans and designs of technical research projects independently and in consultation with the supervisor.
• Conducts both biological and analytical experiments in consultation with the supervisor to compile and evaluate data sources.
• Maintain and conduct research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols.
• Analyzes and evaluates research data utilizing computers and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research.
• Literature search using all available resources, including electronic, regarding new methodology and experimental design in consultation with the supervisor.
• Conduct research experiments involving animals, including drug administration and tissue harvesting.  Tissues will be harvested and analyzed using histological evaluation, microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. 
• Develops and maintains basic laboratory safety and bloodborne pathogen safety under the direction of the USC Safety Office and more experienced laboratory staff. 
• Supervises the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Makes recommendations to enhance experimental capabilities
• Supervises the maintenance of all safety and protocol compliance records.  Ensure that all laboratory members have updated safety and protocol assurance

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS/BA or MS
• Experience in HPLC and MS would be desirable
• Experience with molecular techniques (e.g. RT-PCR, flow cytometry and Western Blots)
• Experience in animal handling

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in HPLC
• Experience in cellular activity
• Experience in animal handling
• Tissue culture work and RT-PCR
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field can be substituted for minimum experience requirements.  A working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocol is also required.

• Outstanding record keeping in compliance with laboratory SOP
• Supervises the laboratory activities and compliance measure mandated by the University
• Ensure the maintenance of laboratory notebook and record keeping for all staff and student members of the laboratory

The hourly rate range for this position is $25.00 - $30.77. 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.