Research Lab Technician I - Part-Time

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Southern California is seeking a part-time Research Lab Technician for Dr. Dongshi Chen’s lab at the Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles.

The role supports mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, mouse procedures, tissue culture, and basic molecular biology tasks in a collaborative environment. The position emphasizes data management, reporting, and teamwork, with an expected start time and a 20-hour weekly schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 6–12 months lab experience required or substituted.
• B.S./B.A. in a relevant field preferred; strong communication and organizational skills are expected.
• Experience with mouse work and genotyping is favorable.
• Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, nucleic acid extraction) and handling of wet lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general lab tasks and maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Perform mouse procedures including injections and surgeries as needed.
• Order and stock supplies; manage tissue culture and basic molecular analyses.
• Contribute to data management, record keeping and result interpretation.

Skills

Data management

Record keeping

Communication

Teamwork

Computer skills

Data analysis

Graphing

Education

High school diploma

B.S./B.A. preferred

Tools

PCR

Cloning

Nucleic acid extraction

Cell culture

Job description

A part-time Research Lab Technician position is immediately available in Dr. Dongshi Chen’s laboratory at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Chen’s lab is interesting in studying the signal pathway of cell death and its role and functional mechanism in cigarette smoking induced lung inflammation, progression of COPD, as well as lung tumorigenesis.

The appointee will assist with general laboratory tasks, such as mouse colony maintenance and genotyping, mouse procedures (injections and surgeries), ordering and maintaining stocks of supplies, and tissue culture. In addition, routine molecular biology, biochemistry, histological/imaging will be performed in the laboratory. The successful applicant will be expected to have excellent data management, record keeping, communication, team building, and computer skills with basic molecular biology programs and spreadsheets, data analysis and graphing. The appointee will be encouraged to learn more and to participate in the laboratory research.

Part-time - 20 hours weekly

On Site

Start Time: 8:30 am

Grant Funded position

Hourly range:

The hourly rate range for this position is $22.43. 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: 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

Preferred Education:
Applicants with B.S. or B.A. degrees are encouraged to apply. Effective oral and written communication and organizational skills are also required.

Preferred Experience:
At least one year of experience working in the wet lab. Proficiency in animal work, cell cultures, PCR, cloning, nucleic acid extraction, and use of basic laboratory equipment is expected.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.

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. Applicants 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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