Research Laboratory Specialist

Research Lab Specialist - Spectrometry

This position is in San Diego, CA. The USC Keck School of Medicine – Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) is an academic institute committed to advancing the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) through innovative clinical trials.

Directed by Dr. Robert Rissman, the Biomarker Laboratory and Biorepository of ATRI’s Neuroscience Translational Research Division seeks a full-time Research Lab Specialist to oversee a Mass Spectrometry facility and perform mass spectrometry proteomics related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) biomarkers as the primary function of the position. Under supervision of the Lab Manager, incumbent will learn and validate established protocols and apply them to the setup for high throughput.  Once groundwork is established, incumbent will be responsible for running plasma samples for AD biomarkers using Mass Spectrometry and generate datasets that will be transferred to the ATRI Data Management.  Incumbent will be responsible for maintaining equipment as well as interfacing with vendors that are needed to service, update, and maintain equipment. 

This position requires proficiency in mass spectrometry, including having a proven record of maintaining and troubleshooting equipment.  Must have excellent communication skills, ability to work a flexible schedule, work as part of a multidisciplinary team and have proven experience working under pressure on tight timelines.  

Minimum Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant life sciences field. Combined experience and education as a substitute for minimum education requirements.
• Proven experience in Mass Spectrometry and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Preferred Experience:

• 3+ years of Mass Spectrometry experience.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and databases.

Location:  San Diego, CA

The annual salary range for this position is $68,505.20 - $94,988.05. 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.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

Minimum Education: Related graduate study, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods and ability to supervise on a regular or project basis