Specialized Lab Technician

Overview

The Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is seeking a Specialized Lab Technician in Dr. Qilong Ying's lab. The position will support the development and application of CAR-GMP–based immunotherapies and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Cell Culture and GMP Biology:
  Prepare customized culture media for the expansion and maintenance of mouse and human GMPs; isolate and prepare peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mouse bone marrow; isolate mononuclear cells (MNCs) from human cord blood; perform in vitro expansion, differentiation, and phenotypic characterization of mouse and human GMPs.
• Genetic Engineering of GMPs:
  Maxiprep plasmid and lentiviral vectors; generate genetically modified GMPs using plasmid- and lentiviral-mediated transduction/transfection, including CAR-GMPs.
• In Vivo Mouse Studies:
  Perform intravenous (i.v.) infusion of mouse and human GMPs into mouse models; conduct bioluminescence imaging to monitor cell engraftment, migration, and persistence in vivo.
• Tissue Processing and Histological Analysis:
  Prepare cryosections of mouse tissues; perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining for tissue and cell analysis.
• Molecular and Biochemical Analysis:
  Perform PCR-based genotyping; conduct RT-PCR and Western blot analyses for gene and protein expression studies.
• Laboratory Operations and Support:
  Manage laboratory supplies, including placing and tracking orders; maintain accurate experimental records and comply with laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture
• Basic experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR and/or RT-PCR
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate laboratory records
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based research environment

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant biomedical field
• Experience with primary immune cells, particularly myeloid cells (e.g., GMPs, macrophages, dendritic cells)
• Experience in mouse models, including i.v. injections and tissue collection
• Familiarity with lentiviral or plasmid-based gene delivery and generation of genetically modified cells (e.g., CAR engineering)
• Experience with protein and gene expression analyses, including Western blotting and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence
• Experience with bioluminescence imaging or other in vivo imaging modalities
• Prior work in cell-based immunotherapy, translational research, or stem/progenitor cell biology
• Experience working with human samples (e.g., cord blood or PBMCs)
• Familiarity with biosafety (BSL-2) and animal research regulations

Hourly rate range for this position is $28.83 - $36.02. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as 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.

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.