The Dewey Lab at USC’s Keck School of Medicine seeks a Research Lab Technician II to support studies investigating the mechanisms underlying normal and impaired hearing. Our lab primarily uses mouse models to examine how the inner ear detects quiet sounds and how to improve diagnostic tests of hearing. Research methods include in vivo electrophysiology, acoustic measurements, and optical techniques to assess hearing function, as well as tissue collection and immunohistochemistry of inner ear structures. Dr. Dewey’s lab is part of a multidisciplinary auditory research group within the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is affiliated with both the Hearing Communication Neuroscience graduate program and the Neuroscience graduate program.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Overseeing maintenance of the lab’s mouse colony, including animal husbandry, genotyping, record keeping, creating new animal protocols, communicating with vivarium staff, and tracking related finances.
- Conducting research experiments and complying with all relevant safety and animal protocols.
- Organizing and analyzing collected data.
- Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment.
- Managing and ordering laboratory supplies.
- Preparing chemical solutions and reagents, and handling and disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
- Tissue collection, dissection, and immunostaining.
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biology, neuroscience, communication sciences and disorders, or a related field.
- Have previous experience working in a wet lab and/or with animal models.
- Are detail-oriented, organized, and have effective oral and written communication skills.
- Have experience analyzing and presenting data.
- Have experience with signal processing and computer programming (e.g., in MATLAB or Python).
- Have an interest in sound, acoustics, music, and/or perception.
The hourly rate for this position is $24.23 – $24.23. 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.
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. Ability to follow detailed instructions, maintain accurate records, and perform basic computing tasks (e.g., in Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
