Research Lab Tech II

The Lyden Laboratory at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI) is seeking a Research Lab Tech II who is highly motivated in research.   The Research Lab Tech II will be responsible for carrying out experiments, data management, and team management, that will contribute to accomplishing the specific aims of the projects assigned, as funded by sponsored projects.

The ideal candidate should be familiar with micro-surgery, handling and managing animal colony, routine laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, and overall lab organization, as well as administrative functions including scheduling lab team meetings on Zoom, preparing meeting minutes with Word, and forecasting expenses with Excel.

Experience with lab specimen handling and shipping is highly desirable.  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent organization skills and very detail-oriented; learns new tasks quickly; self-motivated; works well with others, and able to multitask.

Must possess computer skills to include, but not limited to, Excel and Word.  Ability to simultaneously manage multiple clerical trials, and attention to details. The Research Lab Tech II performs routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks and procedures and develops technical expertise in one or more areas relevant to research projects.  The Research Lab Tech II will participate in research activities involving all aspects of the research process, to include, but not limited to; investigation, technical, testing/validation of results, and report findings.  This assignment will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. This position will also organize meetings, handle invitations, prepare agendas and minutes.

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.

The Research Lab Tech II will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. This position will organize meetings, handle invitations, generate agendas and minutes. Conduct behavior testing, for example corner test, cylinder test, Barnes maze and similar assays. Perform routine biomedical experimental protocols like Extracting Proteins and RNA, Genotyping and RT-PCR. Perform routine frozen section preparation, mounting, and histological staining. Perform immunohistochemistry. Log in lab specimens shipped to the lab from outside labs. Maintain inventory of received specimens. Select, label and ship stored specimens to core labs. Some travel to investigate may be required for team meetings. 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. 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. Minimum Education: Bachelor'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. The hourly rate range for this position is $24.23 - $30.32. 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. This is a full-time fixed term position; renewed annually.