"Specialized Laboratory Technician"

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nations most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the worlds best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology: https://gero.usc.edu

The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is seeking a reliable and self-motivated individual to join the Lee Lab. The research is focused on the molecular basis of aging and age-related diseases. Working directly with the Principal Investigator and other lab members, the successful candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie metabolic and mitochondrial regulation during aging. With strong translational components, the projects also involve testing the effects of novel mitochondrial-encoded microproteins in age-related mouse models, including those for inflammaging and Alzheimers disease. The Specialized Laboratory Technician performs a range of complex laboratory procedures, testing, etc., utilizing techniques and technology across several scientific disciplines (e.g., developing cellular models of aging; immunoassays including Western blotting and immunoprecipitation, performing biochemical assays with consistent high-quality test results).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform experiments to understand the mechanisms of mitochondrial biology and metabolic pathways using biochemical, molecular, and cellular analyses.
• Work with mouse models of Alzheimers disease, obesity, and inflammation.
• Assist with data generation and analysis in related research projects.
• Contribute to various research projects in the laboratory and through external collaborations.
• Conduct basic laboratory maintenance.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will have training in experimental molecular and cellular biology, molecular genetics, and/or neuroscience. Previous experience with laboratory mice and experimental molecular and cellular biology is highly desirable. The successful candidate should have a strong training record, the ability to learn and work independently, and the capability to collaborate effectively with trainees and staff within the lab. Knowledge and experience in higher education are preferred.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct highly technical and complex research projects, procedures, and analyses in collaboration with the PI and other lab members.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adapt existing protocols to the model.
• Contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Basic laboratory maintenance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree with 3 years of research experience or a PhD.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology and laboratory mice experimentation.
• Experience working in the higher education field is ideal.

This is a full-time hourly position with work expected fully on campus. Work schedule would be M-F, (usual hours of operation with flexibility as needed, some after-hours and weekends may be required) Benefits include a competitive salary, and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more.

Join us and contribute to pioneering research in aging and age-related diseases. If you are interested, please submit your completed application, including a cover letter and resume with contact information for three references.