Research Lab Technician I

USC Auxiliary Services; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

USC Auxiliary Services seeks a Research Lab Technician I to join the Flow Cytometry and Immune Monitoring Core at USC Norris Cancer Center. The role involves supporting core operations, maintaining equipment, and handling patient specimens with care.

Strong communication and reliability are essential, along with 1+ year of hands-on experience in basic or clinical research. The candidate will collaborate with researchers, follow strict biosafety rules, and help maintain SOPs and records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years hands-on experience in basic/clinical research or related field is desirable.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and communicate effectively with researchers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents, specimens, and other laboratory materials.
• Monitor inventory and assist with ordering supplies.
• Follow established biosafety procedures and SOPs.
• Maintain core equipment and keep work areas clean and organized.
• Maintain laboratory files, records, and SOPs.
• Participate in lab meetings and foster collaborative research.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous and nonhazardous materials per safety protocols.
• Assist with data entry and specimen storage/tracking.
• Coordinate and prepare training sessions and seminars.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Blood processing

Cell isolation

Cell culture

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Research Lab Technician I

Los Angeles, CA

Position Summary

The Flow Cytometry and Immune Monitoring Core (FCIM) at USC Norris Cancer Center s is seeking a lab assistant who can support core operation and maintenance. The successful candidate should have: 1) self-motivated, customer service-oriented personality, 2) excellent oral and written communication skills to work with researchers and 3) at least 1-year hands on experiences in basic and/or clinical research, particularly blood processing, cell isolation and culturing.

Job Accountabilities

• Preparing reagents, biological specimens, and other laboratory materials
• Monitoring laboratory inventory and assisting with the ordering and receipt of supplies and reagents
• Following established laboratory protocols, biosafety procedures, and institutional research and safety requirements
• Maintaining core equipment and ensuring that work areas are clean, organized, and properly supplied
• Maintaining laboratory files, records, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Participating in laboratory meetings and contributing to a collaborative research environment
• Handling and disposing of hazardous and nonhazardous materials in accordance with established safety protocols
• Assisting with data entry and the processing, storage, tracking, and inventory management of patient specimens
• Assisting with the coordination and preparation of training sessions and seminars
• Performing other related duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The hourly rate range for this position is $22.43/hr - $24/hour.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 6 - 12 months, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience

Minimum Field of Expertise: Ability to follow detailed instructions, oral and written