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 nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s 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 Specialized Laboratory Technician to join the Benayoun Lab. The research is focused on understanding features of vertebrates by leveraging the naturally short-lived African turquoise killifish as a new model organism. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to support ongoing investigations in mapping out brain aging in this species, and elucidating the impact of transposons reactivation on the overall aging process, using functional genomics approaches.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Performs moderate to complex specific laboratory procedures, testing, etc., utilizing techniques and technology related to the study of vertebrate aging. (e.g., may prepare regular and special media formulations; produce grow or culture microbiological materials).

• Trains investigators and students in specialized laboratory techniques, especially relating to work with the African turquoise killifish model. Provides technical consulting in the area of expertise. Assists in protocol or policy development.

• Performs other highly specialized laboratory tests as appropriate.

• Complies with any quality control policies and procedures and maintains required documentation.

• Maintains a safe environment in accordance with standards, policies, and safety regulations.

• Ensures compliance with infection control policies.

• Handles and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.

• May supervise unit employees and/or student workers as assigned. Trains and provides additional instruction as required. Schedules, assigns, and prioritizes workloads daily. Sets appropriate goals and deadlines. Ensures the timely completion of the unit's work. Assigns and oversees the progress of special projects for staff and student workers.

• Organizes and maintains supplies. Monitors inventory levels, maintains records of supplies and equipment, and prepares purchase orders as needed. Provides advice on equipment upgrades and acquisitions.

• Keeps informed of developments in the field. Reads journals and other relevant publications, attends professional association meetings and seminars as appropriate.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Active research into the molecular and genetic drivers of brain and organismal aging using Nothobranchius furzeri, a new model organism for aging research and the shortest-lived vertebrate that can be bred in captivity. 

• Optimization of protocols enabling spatial transcriptomics and epigenomics characterization of molecular drivers of brain aging in Nothobranchius furzeri using cutting-edge technologies (Trekker platform from Curio, CUT&RUN, RNA-seq, etc.);

• Maintenance of a research colony of Nothobranchius furzeri and development/optimization of novel protocols to leverage this model to understand molecular underpinnings of brain aging;

• design and optimization of drug delivery methodology for Nothobranchius furzeri to study new anti-aging effects of candidate drug treatments;

• Active development and optimization of cutting-edge protocols for behavioral and cognitive characterization of Nothobranchius furzeri during aging to understand rate of cognitive decline in Vertebrates; 

• Training of new lab members in complex procedures and protocols used in Nothobranchius furzeri research; 

• Oversees operations of an African turquoise killifish colony, ensuring proper feeding, breeding, genotyping, and recruitment of animals into experiments. Ensures adherence to approved IACUC protocols in this function.

• Evaluates animals for health and welfare daily. Communicates animal health or welfare problems to veterinary staff and the Principal Investigator.

• Maintains animal records and records of facility procedures, facility environmental conditions (i.e, water quality monitoring), and use/maintenance of fish housing system. Ensures records are available to authorities as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a colony of African turquoise killifish (including knowledge of healthy phenotypes for this species), and working knowledge of aquatic housing systems.

• Working knowledge of genetics to ensure proper line maintenance and avoid inbreeding depression of the colony.

Ideal Candidate:

• The ideal candidate will have training in aquatic housing systems, experimental fish genetics and husbandry, experimental molecular biology and/or neuroscience, and have previous experience with fish physiology and anatomy. Prior experience with the African turquoise killifish model system, specifically experimental genomics and/or transposon biology, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a M.Sc. in marine biology or another related subject area. Successful candidates should have strong training records and must be able to learn and work independently, yet collaborate effectively with students and staff within the lab. Knowledge of and experience working in higher education is preferred.

This is a full-time hourly position with work expected to be fully on campus. Work schedule would be M-F 9 am-5 pm, with some after-hours and weekends required for handling of the experimental fish colony. 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.

This position is funded by a research contract/grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment.

The hourly rate for this position is $25.44. 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.

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.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Minimum Experience: 4 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Degree in directly related specialized scientific field. Previous specialized laboratory experience, knowledgeable in use of specialized laboratory equipment. Working knowledge of lab procedures, techniques and testing related to specialized scientific field. Computer literacy.

                                                  

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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