Research Lab Technician I

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee ofUSC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

As a community of Dornsife College "we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms...as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society."

The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff. This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College. What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life. If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together.

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person's capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department. Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

Research Lab Technician I

Environment

The Liman laboratory (https://dornsife.usc.edu/limanlab) seeks a Research Lab Technician I to support NIH-funded studies aimed at understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms of taste sensation and ion channel biophysics.

The laboratory recently discovered a new family of ion channels (Tu et al , Science, 2018; http://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6379/1047). One of the members of this family, OTOP1, functions in taste cells as the sour receptor (Teng et al, 2019). The function of OTOP channels that are expressed outside the taste system is still largely mysterious. The laboratory has also collaborated to solve the structure of OTOP1 and OTOP3 (Saotome et al, 2019). The research technician will support ongoing studies to follow up on these exciting new results and have the opportunity to conduct independent work if so desired. This position is based in the Neurobiology section of the department of Biological Sciences, on the beautiful University Park Campus of USC, close to downtown LA.

Position responsibilities:

The research technician will be involved in all aspect of lab maintenance and will supervise other lab members as needed. Candidates should have experience in molecular and cell biology within a research environment. Job duties may include generation of new plasmid DNA constructs, immunohistochemistry and maintenance of transgenic mouse lines and tissue culture cells. The successful applicant should have a demonstrated ability to keep careful notes, troubleshoot experiments and communicate effectively with other members of the team The applicant will have the opportunity to learn new techniques and to participate in other enrichment activities and will be eligible for a generous benefits package.

Requirements:

The successful applicant will have a background in biology or chemistry and be proficient in basic molecular biology techniques, including two or more of the following: PCR, subcloning, western blot, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, fluorescence microscopy or tissue culture. Candidates should have an Associate's degree or higher, specialized /technical training or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education and minimum of 2 years laboratory experience. Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply for the position to gain experience in a fast-paced research environment.

Other:

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, neuroscience, chemistry or other relevant discipline.

Preferred Experience: 2 years' experience working as a research assistant in a molecular biology, cell biology or neurobiology laboratory.

Preferred Field of Expertise: A working knowledge of standard laboratory equipment is also required.

Percentage of Time: 100%

This is a grant funded position.

Hourly range:The hourly rate range for this position is $21.07 - $23. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

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