Research Laboratory Technician II

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

3d • $24 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

It’s an exciting time at USC. We are world-renowned for our innovative education, academic excellence and path-breaking research in a vibrant region exploding with potential. As part of a university that is on an upward trajectory, excellent development and advancement opportunities are possible here. Ultimately, you will support the university’s expansive, humanity-centered mission: “The development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.” The Brain Research on Anxiety Vulnerability and Emotion (BRAVE) Lab is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician II (Job Code 185015) to join its team. The BRAVE Lab is housed within the Department of Psychology at the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. This position will involve coordinating a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) examining links between executive function-related brain activity and anxiety among school-age children. The Research Laboratory Technician will work with clinical psychologists, developmental and cognitive neuroscientists, and brain imaging professionals involved in the project. Essential responsibilities include: Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities. Recruits and screens participants for research and schedules their visits to the laboratory. Obtains informed consent from research participants and their families. Conducts assessments with research participants and their families. Conducts research in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols. Works with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to amend existing study protocols as necessary. Computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques. Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct research. Uses laboratory/computer equipment to conduct analyses of data. Provides routine interpretations of analyses. Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment; performs or arranges for basic equipment repairs. Makes recommendations for equipment acquisitions. Handles and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols. Maintains and organizes laboratory supplies. Monitors inventory levels and orders or secures supplies as needed. Maintains research facility in orderly, operable condition. Maintains security and safety of equipment, samples, specimens and data. Conducts library research to assist in the planning and design of experiments. Learns basic laboratory safety and, if appropriate, basic radiation or blood borne pathogen safety under the direction of the USC Safety Office and more experienced laboratory staff. Demonstrates techniques, equipment or procedures to others. Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software. Competency in project management. Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), the ability to follow through with assigned tasks within established time frames and minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment, and exceptional focus on attention to detail and accuracy. Performs assignments which are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction. Applicant must ensure confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, including but not limited to student, staff, or faculty files.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, human development, or other related field is required.
• 2 years or combined experience/education
• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols.
• Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Demonstrated effective communication and writing skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate will have strong organizational capabilities and a demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks.
• Experience working with children, families, or adolescents is preferred, as is experience working with EEG or other neuroimaging techniques.
• 4 years or combined experience/education

Responsibilities

• Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities.
• Recruits and screens participants for research and schedules their visits to the laboratory.
• Obtains informed consent from research participants and their families.
• Conducts assessments with research participants and their families.
• Conducts research in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols.
• Works with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to amend existing study protocols as necessary.
• Computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct research.
• Uses laboratory/computer equipment to conduct analyses of data.
• Provides routine interpretations of analyses.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment; performs or arranges for basic equipment repairs.
• Makes recommendations for equipment acquisitions.
• Handles and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
• Maintains and organizes laboratory supplies.
• Monitors inventory levels and orders or secures supplies as needed.
• Maintains research facility in orderly, operable condition.
• Maintains security and safety of equipment, samples, specimens and data.
• Conducts library research to assist in the planning and design of experiments.
• Learns basic laboratory safety and, if appropriate, basic radiation or blood borne pathogen safety under the direction of the USC Safety Office and more experienced laboratory staff.
• Demonstrates techniques, equipment or procedures to others.
• Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software.
• Competency in project management.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), the ability to follow through with assigned tasks within established time frames and minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment, and exceptional focus on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Performs assignments which are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction.
• Applicant must ensure confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, including but not limited to student, staff, or faculty files.

Benefits

• To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.
• You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees