Specialized Laboratory Technician

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology: https://gero.usc.edu

The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is seeking a reliable and self-motivated individual to join the Lee Lab. The research is focused on the molecular basis of aging and age-related diseases. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator and collaborating with other team members, this unique opportunity will participate in cutting-edge aging research, specifically investigating the role of mitochondria in these processes. The successful candidate will explore novel microproteins encoded in the human mitochondrial genome and their molecular mechanisms related to aging and age-related diseases. With strong translational components, the projects also involve testing the effects of novel mitochondrial-encoded microproteins in age-related mouse models, including those for inflammaging and Alzheimer’s disease. The Specialized Laboratory Technician Performs moderate to complex specific laboratory procedures, testing, etc, utilizing techniques and technology related to the specialized scientific field (e.g. developing cellular models of aging; immunoassays including Western blotting and immunoprecipitation, performing biochemical assays with consistent high-quality test results).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform experiments to understand the mechanisms of mitochondrial-encoded microproteins using biochemical, molecular, and cellular analyses.
• Work with mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and inflammation.
• Assist with data generation and analysis in related research projects.
• Contribute to various research projects in the laboratory and through external collaborations.
• Conduct basic laboratory maintenance.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will have training in experimental molecular and cellular biology, molecular genetics, and/or neuroscience. Previous experience with laboratory mice and experimental molecular and cellular biology is highly desirable. The successful candidate should have a strong training record, the ability to learn and work independently, and the capability to collaborate effectively with trainees and staff within the lab. Knowledge and experience in higher education are preferred.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct highly technical and complex research projects, procedures, and analyses in collaboration with the PI and other lab members.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adapt existing protocols to the model.
• Contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Basic laboratory maintenance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with 3 years of research experience or a PhD.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology and laboratory mice experimentation.
• Experience working in the higher education field is ideal.

This is a full-time hourly position with work expected fully on campus. Work schedule would be M-F, (usual hours of operation with flexibility as needed, some after-hours and weekends may be required) Benefits include a competitive salary, and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more.

This position is funded by a research contract/grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment.

The hourly rate range for this position is $26.38-$29.20. 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.

Join us and contribute to pioneering research in aging and age-related diseases.

If you are interested, please submit your completed application, including a cover letter and resume with contact information for three references.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu.  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 4 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Previous specialized laboratory experience, knowledgeable in use of specialized laboratory equipment. Working knowledge of lab procedures, techniques and testing related to specialized scientific field. Computer literacy.