Research Lab Technician I

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.
The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Research Lab Technician I in the Physics and Astronomy Department. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
The Laboratory of Peter Chung at the University of Southern California is searching for a foundational team member who has a keen interest and demonstrated experience in molecular biology and biophysical techniques.
The qualified candidates will have the major role of working with the PI and his trainees on understanding the biophysical properties of Huntingtin, a protein unequivocally linked to Huntington’s disease.
Eventually, the candidate will independently undertake and perform technical laboratory procedures (such as protein expression and purification), experiments (such as electron paramagnetic resonance and microscopy), and data analysis.
Attention to detail and communication skills are critical, as a successful candidate will have organizational laboratory duties, including developing standard procedures, coordinating sample exchanges with collaborators, and maintaining a safe lab environment in accordance with environmental health and biosafety regulations.
Preferred Qualifications

• High level of attention to detail and communication skills.
• Spectroscopy experience.
• Experience in protein expression in bacterial/animal cells and protein purification.
• Standard molecular biology and chemical wet lab techniques.

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $20.48-$ 22.00. 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.
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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.
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