Instructional Lab Tech, Senior

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, Department of Biological Sciences is seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician to join its team. The ideal candidate will be able to provide advanced or specialized laboratory technical services and support to students and faculty in the department.

Instructional Lab Technician, Senior

Job Location: Los Angeles, CA 

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at the University of Southern California invites applications for the Instructional Lab Technician, Senior position.

Job responsibilities include:

• Organize and maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, materials and supplies for instructional experiments.
• Coordinates and plans lab exercises with Lab Manager. Conducts library research to assist in the planning and design of experiments. Tests and conducts experiments, exercises, and demonstrations.
• Provides technical assistance regarding pre- and post-experiment preparations and processes.
• Controls and monitors supply inventories. Approves supply orders and negotiates directly with vendors as appropriate. Oversees the maintenance, cataloging and inventory control of slides and other teaching materials used by faculty and students.
• Constructs, adapts, or acquires specialized lab equipment to meet specific instruction or research needs. Troubleshoots, operates, repairs, and maintains equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepares detailed reports of laboratory preparation and activities as requested.
• Ensures compliance with health and safety standards of laboratory operations.
• Maintains instructional facility in orderly, operable condition. Maintains security and safety of equipment, samples, specimens, and data. Prepares and labels materials and waste for storage and disposes as needed.
• Provides direction to other laboratory assistants. Assists in hiring, training, and scheduling work assignments. Monitors work and provides performance feedback.

Key skills/abilities include:

• Excellent time management, organizational, record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and follow through and provide work direction required.
• Must be comfortable working with laboratory animals.
• Must be knowledgeable of computers, Word and Excel.
• Must be a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player, with excellent problem-solving skills.

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $29 - $31. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• 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.

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

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in area of instruction providing strong knowledge of lab protocols and safety guidelines and computerized analysis methods. Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and schedule activities to meet both short-term and long-term deadlines. Knowledge of database operations and data acquisition.