Job Description

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Lab Technician I to join our research team. This position is available immediately in the Saito laboratory. The Saito Lab conducts research focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying liver disease, with the goal of advancing our understanding of disease pathogenesis and identifying new therapeutic approaches. Dr. Saito’s laboratory utilizes tools of cell and molecular biology, as well as virology, genetics, and systems biology. The Research Lab Technician I will provide technical support for ongoing laboratory research and work closely with Dr. Takeshi Saito and other senior members of the research team.

The summary of Saito laboratory research can be found at: https://sites.usc.edu/saito-lab/

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual interested in gaining hands-on biomedical research experience in an academic laboratory environment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop technical research skills, work alongside scientists and trainees, and contribute to ongoing research within the Keck School of Medicine of USC's Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases.

The ideal applicant will be a hardworking, creative, well-organized and self-motivated researcher who is interested in the field of liver biology and disorders, and enthusiastic about contributing to a collaborative

research team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine laboratory procedures and experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel.
• Assist with the preparation of biological samples, reagents, buffers, media, and other materials required for experiments.
• Support molecular and cellular biology experiments and other research activities conducted by the laboratory.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of experiments, procedures, samples, and results.
• Assist with data collection, organization, and basic analysis.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure work areas are clean, organized, and properly supplied.
• Monitor laboratory inventory and assist with ordering and receiving supplies and reagents.
• Follow established laboratory protocols, biosafety procedures, and institutional research and safety requirements.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree with specialized/technical training in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or in a relevant field.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory practices and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established protocols and maintain accurate research records.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in an academic or biomedical research laboratory.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as cell culture, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, DNA/RNA preparation, immunostaining, basic in vivo work or related methods.
• Experience handling biological specimens and maintaining laboratory inventories.
• Interest in liver biology and diseases, immunology, virology, or related areas of biomedical research.
• Familiarity with basic data analysis and laboratory software.

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

Preferred Education: Associate’s degree with specialized/technical training in Molecular and Cellular

Biology, Genetics, Biology, or in a relevant field.

Preferred Experience: 1 year of wet laboratory experience during undergraduate, Master’s degree program or as a research technician in a wet lab setting.

Preferred Field of Expertise: In vitro and in vivo experiment skills in the field of cell biology, biochemistry,

and/or immunology.

Percentage of Time: 100%

Fixed Term? No

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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