Job Description

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