Research Lab Specialist

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles seeks a Research Lab Specialist to support projects using microphysiological systems for cardiac disease modeling. The role involves collaborating with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, maintaining stem cell cultures, and ensuring compliance with biosafety guidelines on USC's campus.

Ideal candidates are proactive, organized, and adept at aseptic technique.

Qualifications

• Experience in aseptic technique and cell culture is required.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a collaborative lab environment.
• Minimum 5 years of lab experience; preferred 7 years.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, differentiate, and cryopreserve human stem cells and primary cells.
• Inventory and order lab supplies; maintain equipment.
• Document protocols and manage hazardous waste.
• Assist with data management and train new lab personnel.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Lab experience

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Related graduate study

Combined experience/education

Tools

Cell culture equipment

Cryopreservation

Flow cytometry

Microscopy

Microfluidic device fabrication

Job description

USC Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine is seeking a Research Lab Specialist. Working directly under the supervision of the Megan McCain, the Research Lab Specialist works closely with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to support projects related to developing and using microphysiological systems for cardiac disease modeling.

The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail-oriented. The position requires excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to be decisive and adaptable. Experience in aseptic technique is required. Experience in human stem cell or primary cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, and/or fabrication of microfluidic devices is preferred.

Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Maintenance, expansion, differentiation, and cryopreservation of human stem cells and primary cells
• Inventory and ordering lab supplies
• Maintenance of equipment, including cell culture incubators and biosafety cabinets
• Protocol documentation
• Handling and disposing of hazardous waste
• Assistance with data management
• Training new lab personnel

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to multi-task effectively and demonstrate strong organizational skills
• A cooperative and team-oriented attitude
• Experience in aseptic technique
• 5 years of experience working in lab

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in human stem cell or primary cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, and/or fabrication of microfluidic devices
• 7 years of lab experience

Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

This position is on-site and employee must report to work at the USC University Park Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs.

The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $ 72,504.01 - $ 99,997.09 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: Related graduate study, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 5 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

USC is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 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 D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applications with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail] . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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