Specialized Laboratory Technician

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level