Research Lab Technician II

The University of Southern California Center for Personalized Brain Health (CPBH) and the Yassine Laboratory are seeking a Research Lab Technician to support NIH-funded research studies focused on Alzheimer’s disease, neuroinflammation, lipid metabolism, APOE4-associated risk, biomarkers, and translational therapeutic development. Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff, the Research Lab Technician will assist with day-to-day laboratory operations, research coordination, sample processing, data organization, and experimental support activities across multiple active projects.

This position will support both basic science and translational research initiatives by assisting with laboratory workflows, maintaining organized research records, managing biological samples and laboratory inventories, and supporting research documentation and data entry activities. The technician will help ensure accurate and timely execution of research procedures, maintain compliance with laboratory protocols and institutional policies, and contribute to the overall operational efficiency of the lab.

The Research Lab Technician II will work closely with investigators, postdoctoral fellows, students, and multidisciplinary collaborators to support studies involving biomarkers, neurodegeneration, neurovascular inflammation, imaging-related research coordination, and therapeutic discovery efforts. Additional responsibilities may include preparing study materials, coordinating supplies and equipment maintenance, supporting literature reviews and figure preparation, and assisting with general research operations and project coordination activities.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced academic research environment. The position involves routine laboratory support, scientific documentation, computer-based data entry, and coordination across research teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, neuroscience, chemistry, psychology, public health, or a related scientific discipline

• Ability to follow laboratory protocols, research procedures, and standard operating practices

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Experience maintaining accurate records, spreadsheets, or research documentation

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work independently under supervision

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in a laboratory, academic research, or clinical research environment

• Experience handling biological samples, maintaining laboratory inventories, or supporting experimental workflows

• Familiarity with research databases, REDCap, or basic data management practices

• Interest in Alzheimer’s disease, neuroscience, neuroinflammation, biomarkers, aging, or translational medicine

• Experience supporting federally funded or NIH-supported research projects

• Exposure to basic laboratory techniques, scientific literature review, or research reporting activities.

The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail oriented. The position requires excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to be decisive and adaptable. The candidate must follow established USC and departmental policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the Workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

This position is on-site and employee must report to work at the USC Health Science Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours may be subject to change depending on business needs.

The hourly budgeted range for this position is $25.71 - $30. 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.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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