Research Lab Technician II

It’s an exciting time at USC. We are world-renowned for our innovative education, academic excellence and path-breaking research in a vibrant region exploding with potential. As part of a university that is on an upward trajectory, excellent development and advancement opportunities are possible here. Ultimately, you will support the university’s expansive, humanity-centered mission: “The development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.”

The Department of Psychology at the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician II (Job Code 185015) to join its team. This position will involve conducting research on youth mood and anxiety disorders, focused on brain and behavioral mechanisms. Together with clinical psychologists and neuroscientists, the Research Laboratory Technician will engage in all aspects of the research enterprise: participant recruitment and screening; multi-method data collection; data management and analysis; manuscript and grant preparation; and scientific presentation and communication.

Essential responsibilities include:

• Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities.
• Recruits participants for research and schedules their visits to the laboratory.
• Conducts assessments with research participants and their families.
• Performs assignments which are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction.
• Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols.
• Collects field and/or laboratory measurements and data.
• Computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct experiments.
• Uses laboratory/computer equipment to conduct analyses of experiment data.
• Provides routine interpretations of analyses.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment.
• Performs or arranges for basic repairs.
• May alter equipment to meet experiment requirements.
• Makes recommendations for equipment acquisitions.
• Handles and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
• Maintains and organizes laboratory supplies.
• Monitors inventory levels and orders or secures supplies as needed.
• Maintains research facility in orderly, operable condition.
• Maintains security and safety of equipment, samples, specimens and data.
• Conducts library research to assist in the planning and design of experiments.
• Learns basic laboratory safety and, if appropriate, basic radiation or blood borne pathogen safety under the direction of the USC Safety Office and more experienced laboratory staff.
• Demonstrates techniques, equipment or procedures to others.

• Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), the ability to follow through with assigned tasks within established time frames and minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment, and exceptional focus on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software
• Competency in project management.
• Applicant must ensure confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, including but not limited to student, staff, or faculty files.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have strong organizational capabilities and a demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks.
• Experience working with children, families, or adolescents is preferred, as is interest or experience working with fMRI or other neuroimaging techniques.

Preferred Experience:

• 4 years or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience.

Skills:

• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols.
• Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Demonstrated effective communication and writing skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

Supervises: Level:

• May supervise and train staff and/or student workers.

Salary range: The hourly rate range for this non-exempt position is $24.23 - $28.32.  The work week consists of 37.5 hours per week.  

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 alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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

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. Applications without required documents will not be considered.
• 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.

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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