Research Lab Technician II

Overview

It’s an exciting time  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 Department of Psychology at the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician II (Job Code 185015) to join its team. This position will involve conducting research on youth mood and anxiety disorders, focused on brain and behavioral mechanisms
. Together with clinical psychologists and neuroscientists, the Research Laboratory Technician will engage in all aspects of the research enterprise: participant recruitment and screening; multi-method data collection; data management and analysis; manuscript and grant preparation; and scientific presentation and communication.

• Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities.
• Recruits participants for research and schedules their visits to the laboratory.
• Conducts assessments with research participants and their families.
• Performs assignments which are non-routine and vary in complexity with minimal direction.
• Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols.
• Collects field and/or laboratory measurements and data.
• Computes results for a variety of research procedures, tests and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct experiments.
• Uses laboratory/computer equipment to conduct analyses of experiment data.
• Provides routine interpretations of analyses.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment.
• Performs or arranges for basic repairs.
• May alter equipment to meet experiment requirements.
• 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.

• Requires 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.
• Broad knowledge of relevant research computer software
• Competency in project management.
• Applicant must ensure confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, including but not limited to student, staff, or faculty files.

• 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 interest or experience working with fMRI or other neuroimaging techniques.

• 4 years or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience.

• 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.

• May supervise and train staff and/or student workers.

Salary range:
The hourly rate range for this non-exempt position is…