Research Laboratory Technician II

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California's Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician II to join Dr. Yang Chai's lab.

The role supports ongoing projects and daily lab operations, works with postdocs and senior staff, and may lead defined projects with training. Candidates should have an associate degree or higher, at least two years of wet-lab experience, and familiarity with molecular biology, cell culture, histology, and microscopy.

Qualifications

• Candidate must have a B.S. degree or higher in biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field, with hands-on wet-lab experience.
• Experience with standard laboratory procedures and research practices.
• Experience with molecular biology, cell culture, histology, microscopy, or related techniques.
• Experience working independently on a research project or component of a larger project is preferred.
• Experience with transgenic mouse colony management and/or mouse procedures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments under the supervision of postdoctoral research associates and other senior research staff.
• Assists with experimental planning, protocol optimization, troubleshooting, data collection, and analysis.
• Assists with mouse colony management, including breeding and genotyping.
• May perform mouse procedures and surgeries following appropriate training and approved protocols, as needed.
• Participates in shared responsibilities necessary for the daily operation of the laboratory.
• Maintains accurate and organized experimental records.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
• Follows laboratory and USC safety requirements.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Cell culture

Histology / Microscopy

Independent project work

Troubleshooting experiments

Education

Associate's degree or higher in a scientific field

Minimum 2 years wet-lab experience

Job description

Research Laboratory Technician II

The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at USC’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is recruiting a Research Laboratory Technician II to join the laboratory of Dr. Yang Chai (https://chailab.usc.edu/). Our laboratory is funded through federal and organization-sponsored research grants. Many of these grants are from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, under which basic research is conducted into developmental, biochemical and molecular biological aspects of human development with a special emphasis on craniofacial structures in both health and disease.

The Research Lab Technician II will participate directly in research projects in addition to supporting the daily operation of the laboratory. The successful candidate will work closely with postdoctoral research associates and other senior laboratory members to conduct experiments and, depending on experience and performance, may take primary responsibility for defined research projects under their supervision. The position is well suited for a motivated individual who is interested in developing research skills, learning new experimental approaches, and contributing intellectually and technically to ongoing research projects. We are particularly interested in candidates who are motivated to conduct research, can work independently after appropriate training, and are interested in taking increasing responsibility for research projects. Strong organizational, communication, record-keeping, problem-solving, and scientific thinking skills are preferred.

Job Accountabilities

• Conducts research experiments under the supervision of postdoctoral research associates and other senior research staff.
• Assists with experimental planning, protocol optimization, troubleshooting, data collection, and analysis.
• Assists with mouse colony management, including breeding and genotyping.
• May perform mouse procedures and surgeries following appropriate training and approved protocols, as needed.
• Participates in shared responsibilities necessary for the daily operation of the laboratory.
• Maintains accurate and organized experimental records.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
• Follows laboratory and USC safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

Candidate must have a B.S degree or higher in biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field, with previous hands‑on wet‑laboratory research experience.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with standard laboratory procedures, equipment, and research practices.
• Hands‑on experience with molecular biology, cell culture, histology, microscopy, or related experimental techniques is desirable.
• Experience conducting research experiments and troubleshooting experimental procedures.
• Experience working independently on a research project or a defined component of a larger project is preferred.
• Experience with transgenic mouse colony management and/or mouse procedures is a plus.

Minimum Education

• Associate'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 $24.25/hr.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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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