Research Lab Technician

The candidate will be responsible for performing animal research activities and animal care in a laboratory setting in the USC Functional Biological Imaging core. We are currently seeking a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidate for a Research Laboratory Technician with experience in rodent animal handling and care and non-surgical techniques.

Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities. Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols. Performs assignments which are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction. Compiles data and computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques.

•    Assist in performing moderately complex lab procedures and/or experiments which includes, but is not limited to, familiarity with equipment, samples, specimens, solutions, reagents, cultures, and/or experimental animal procedures.  
•    Handle and restrain animals for introducing into MRI scanners and treatments.
•    Perform administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia. Perform animal injections via subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, and intraperitoneal routes.  Place intravenous catheters.  Perform euthanasia processes, trans-cardiac perfusion, tissue harvesting and tissue/sample processing.
•    Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly work and subject care area.
•    Maintain accurate, current, and complete records, including but not limited to animal health reports, medical records, health surveillance data, animal transfer information and quality assurance records. Coordinate and arrange for shipment of rodents and other animals to and from the USC FBI core.
•    May perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
•    Diagnose and notify technical lead or researcher of any problems and recommends preliminary solutions relating to protocols, procedures, etc.
•    Possess excellent organizational and communication skills to collaborate successfully with the team.
•    Delivers proactive service and support to internal and/or external users.

This position is Staff fixed-term renewable annually.

The hourly rate range for this position is $24.23 - $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: Bachelor's degree, Specialized/technical training, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1-3 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. At least one year’s experience with small animals in a laboratory animal facility, veterinary practice, or research lab. Experience with PC and/or Mac and/or Linux operating systems.