Research Lab Technician I

The Lee Retina Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Southern California conducts laboratory research focused on the retina and retinal disease.

The lab is seeking a Research Lab Technician I to support ongoing research under the supervision of the principal investigator. The technician will assist with experiments, cell culture, animal research, and daily laboratory operations. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently after training and collaboratively with the research team.

Essential Job Duties

Perform routine laboratory experiments and prepare reagents, buffers, and samples according to established protocols.

Maintain cell cultures using aseptic technique and monitor culture quality.

Assist with animal handling, colony records, tissue collection, and approved research procedures after required training.

Assist with molecular and cellular assays, tissue processing, staining, and microscopy as trained.

Maintain accurate experimental records, organize data, and communicate results to the research team.

Monitor supplies, maintain equipment and clean work areas, and follow laboratory safety and research protocols.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

Basic laboratory experience through coursework, research, or employment; careful recordkeeping and attention to detail.

Effective communication, organizational, and teamwork skills; ability to follow written protocols and learn new techniques.

Willingness to work with cell cultures and research animals and complete required safety and animal research training.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, tissue staining, or fluorescence microscopy.

Experience handling laboratory mice, maintaining colony records, or supporting retinal or vision research.

Work Location and Environmental Conditions

This position requires on-site work at the USC Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles. Work includes cell culture rooms requiring aseptic technique and animal facilities, with appropriate personal protective equipment and required training. The technician must follow USC and department safety, environmental, infection control, animal care, and workplace conduct requirements.

Compensation

The hourly rate range for this position is $22.43 - $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

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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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