Research Lab Tech III/Supervisor

USC Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology is seeking a Research Lab Tech III/Supervisor. Working directly under the supervision of the Principal Investigator Prof. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein, the Research Lab Tech III/Supervisor works closely with the interdisciplinary research team to plan, execute, and document cutting-edge biomedical research experiments in support of a federally funded research project. This role provides critical laboratory leadership, combining hands-on scientific expertise with supervisory responsibilities to advance the mission of the lab.

The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail-oriented. The position requires excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to be decisive and adaptable. Candidates should have experience with sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, complex experimental techniques, and research record-keeping in a biomedical research environment. 

Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plans and conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols; independently performs non-routine and complex research laboratory procedures and techniques Plans and conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols; independently performs non-routine and complex research laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct experiments; provides analyses and interpretations of results for supervisor review; may contribute to the writing of technical papers.
• Provides input and progress updates on research; makes recommendations for modification of experimental approaches as appropriate.
• Selects, modifies, and adapts equipment and procedures to specific research needs; operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory equipment; troubleshoots problems and performs standard repairs.
• Controls equipment and supplies inventory; recommends purchases, locates vendors, negotiates prices, and orders supplies for funded research and student labs.
• Prepares media and reagents for experimental use; researches and evaluates background information to enhance planning and design of experiments.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, or a related field, plus specialized/technical laboratory training.  
• Minimum 2-3 years of research laboratory experience.
• Fully competent in the operation of sophisticated scientific equipment; independently able to perform complex laboratory procedures with accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise junior laboratory personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain meticulous records and contribute to technical publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of research procedures, equipment calibration, and data analysis methods in biomedical research.
• Experience with inventory management, and laboratory safety compliance.
• Familiarity with federally funded research program requirements.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot sophisticated laboratory instrumentation and perform standard equipment repairs.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to technical writing, grant-related documentation, or scientific publications.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent research tasks.
• Cooperative, team-oriented attitude with the ability to collaborate across disciplines in a research environment.
• Sound scientific judgment and effective decision-making skills in a fast-paced research setting.

Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

This position is hybrid on-site and employee must report to work at the USC Health Science Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs.

The hourly rate range for this position is $31.21- $36.06. 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.

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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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