Research Lab Technician II

The USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology is seeking a Research Lab Technician II to join its team.

This researcher will be working in the lab of Dr. Kimberly Gokoffski whose research program is focused on the intractable problem of optic nerve regeneration. In order to restore vision in patients who are blinded by optic neuropathies like glaucoma, the optic nerve, the cable the connects the eye to the brain, needs to be regenerated. Dr. Gokoffski is taking an innovative approach to this problem by investigating the role of electrical fields in promoting retinal ganglion cell axon growth. The lab technician/manager will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects in a multidisciplinary lab with tremendous clinical application from the ground up. We are a high energy dynamic lab that collaborates with ophthalmology, neurosurgery, neuroscience, and engineering. Hands on work includes performing both tissue culture experiments and survival animal surgeries.

Job Summary:

Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities. Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols. Performs assignments which are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction. Compiles data and computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques.

Job Accountabilities include:

• 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 unique knockout and disease model mouse colonies including backcrossing and genotyping
• Contributes to studies of therapeutic efficacy of experimental treatments in mouse models through administration of drug and evaluation of specific functional, biochemical and histological endpoints
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs animal survival surgeries.
• Performs histologic, electrophysiologic, and behavioral experiments in animals.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree or Minimum College Graduate with Science Background

Preferred Experience: Prior expertise working with mouse/rat models or with the visual system. Experience with intracranial electrical recordings.

Preferred Field of Expertise: Bachelor's degree in related field can be substituted for minimum experience requirements. A working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols is also required. Experience with ferret and porcine models a plus.

Applicant Attachments (Required): Application/Resume

Applicant Attachments (Optional): Cover Letter

Work Location:

Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI)

1501 San Pablo St, ZNI 211

Los Angeles, CA 90033

Percentage of Time: 100%; 37.5 hours per week

Posting Salary Range: "The hourly rate range for this position is $24.23 - $30.32. 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: Associate's degree, Specialized/technical training, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols. Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.