The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.” The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff. This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College. What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life. If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department. Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

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 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 working on 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Experience :

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

Skills:

• 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.

Hourly range:  The hourly rate range for this non-exempt position is $24.23 - $30.32. The work week consists of 37.5 hours per week. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents. Applications without required documents will not be considered.
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Specialized/technical training, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols. Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.