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. Working under direct supervision, 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. The tech will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. The tech will observe and comply with safety standards and procedures, assist in preparation of data for publication and/or presentation at scholarly meetings, and assist in general laboratory maintenance.

The ideal candidate should be familiar with the following:

· Animal Surgical Area: Ensure animal surgical surfaces and equipment are clean and organized. Ensure animal surgical area is compliant with all USC and DAR policies and procedures.

· Ensure pharmaceuticals are purchased, stored, tracked, and dispensed per protocol, appropriate supplies maintained, secured and disposed of according to established policies and procedures.

· Perform micro vascular surgery on rats and mice. Surgeries will include but will not be limited to middle cerebral artery occlusion with nylon filament or embolic clot to cause cerebral ischemia; implantation of arterial and venous catheters; cannulation of the cisterna magna; implantation of retroperitoneal colling devices; attachment of skull mounted laser Doppler flow probes; and drug infusion studies.

· Perform stereotaxic surgery technique on rats and mice.

· Performs cranial window preparation for laser speckle cerebral blood flow monitoring.

· Handle mice and rats for injections via subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes.

· Perform cardiothoracic perfusion with paraformaldehyde, tail vein injection, oral gavaging, e, vaccination and survival studies in rats and mice.

· Submit application to IACUC describing the nature of new animal research. Review and amend research protocols as appropriate.

· Manage and monitor animal colonies. Regularly inspect and ensure animal facilities and animal study areas for compliance with all applicable institutional and IACUC regulations, policies, and standards.

· 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.

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 of Science or master’s degree in biological sciences (preferred). Has technical skills and expertise in an area of study including, but not limited to, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Neuroscience.

Minimum Experience: Two (2) years of laboratory experience.

Minimum Field of Expertise: Understanding of general research objectives. Minimum 2 years prior experience with rodent anesthesia and micro-surgery, handling and managing animal colony, routine laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, and overall lab organization. Experience with biobehavioral techniques 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 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.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. 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, or by email at . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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