Specialized Laboratory Technician

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, has a Specialized Laboratory Technician position available in the laboratory of Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein in the Department of Medicine at USC.

The focus of Dr. Abou-el-Enein’s laboratory is to develop safe and effective CAR T cell therapies widely accessible to patients. Using multiplex gene and cell engineering techniques, the lab focuses on iterative engineering to optimize gene constructs for enhanced functionality, safety, and clinical viability. Additionally, the lab is developing new delivery methods that aim to reduce costs, increase scalability, and streamline the manufacturing of cellular immunotherapies.

The ideal candidate should have experience in performing routine tasks in a research environment, including assisting staff with laboratory work and performing essential tasks such as cleaning, restocking supplies, maintaining inventory, and setting up and conducting experiments. Experience with analytical tasks, such as data collection and analysis, report preparation, and record keeping is also a prerequisite. The ability to carry out projects with minimal supervision will be highly valued in this role.

The candidate should possess excellent communication and writing skills.

Prospective candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic about science, with an ability to think creatively and independently. Candidate should demonstrate good organizational skills and be able to work independently and in a team environment. Candidates with knowledge of genetic engineering and immunology are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Job responsibilities include:

• Conduct cell cultures, including growth, maintenance, and expansion of genetically engineered immune cells.
• Assist with the development and execution of in vitro and in vivo studies involving cell therapies.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes, and assist in the interpretation of experimental results.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing of supplies, and equipment maintenance. Ensure all laboratory operations comply with institutional and safety guidelines.
• Conduct molecular biology procedures including plasmid preparation, cloning, and transfection, and assist in the genetic manipulation of T cells.
• Train new laboratory personnel to ensure compliance with laboratory protocols and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the lab head and other researchers to coordinate and advance research projects. Assist in setting project goals, timelines, and priorities.
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of laboratory protocols and procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and presentations. Communicate effectively with the lab team, sharing progress, results, and challenges.
• Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of the lab, manage the disposal of hazardous waste, and maintain a safe working environment.
• Assist in the management of the lab's budget and monitor spending.
• Schedule and organize lab meetings, prepare agendas, and facilitate effective communication among lab members.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of lab activities, research data, and inventory, ensuring data integrity.
• Regularly assess laboratory needs and order supplies in a timely manner. This includes consumables, reagents, lab equipment, and supplies. Monitor usage to anticipate and prevent supply shortages. Maintain relationships with vendors for cost-effective purchasing.

This position will be Non-exempt and On-Site.

The hourly rate for this position is$26.41

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.

Preferred Education: BS in biochemistry or immunology.

Preferred Experience: Basic experience in lab environment – focused on microbiology, immunology, gene engineering

Preferred Field of Expertise: Immunology, Biochemistry, Cellular Therapy Research

Percentage of Time: 100%

Fixed Term?   No

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 4 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Degree in directly related specialized scientific field. 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.