University of Southern California

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 what it is. 

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine is seeking a dynamic individual in the manufacturing of biologics and drugs for cell and gene therapy of internal/external users in the university’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility. The cGMP Quality Control (QC) Specialized Lab Technician is responsible for performing moderate to complex laboratory procedures such as cell expansion, harvesting, cryopreservation, media preparation, sterility testing, endotoxin assays, and mycoplasma detection, among others. Other key responsibilities include assay development, environmental monitoring in cleanrooms, equipment calibration, and strict adherence to SOPs.

Job Accountabilities:

• Assists in developing and optimizing assay. Conducts regular QC tests (flow cytometry, endotoxin, sterility, mycoplasma, etc.) for in-process and final product release.
• Conducts routine environmental monitoring (viable air, surface, personnel, and non-viable particulate monitoring) in GMP cleanroom areas. Collects, incubates, and analyzes samples.
• Performs daily calibration, verification, and maintenance of QC lab equipment. Supports troubleshooting, corrective actions, and CAPA implementation for lab operations.
• Performs moderate to complex specific laboratory procedures, testing etc, utilizing techniques and technology related to specialized scientific field. (e.g. May prepare regular and special media formulations; produce grow or culture microbiological materials; performs Elisa plate testing with consistent high quality test results, etc.)
• Trains investigators and students in specialized laboratory techniques. Provides technical consulting in area of expertise. Assists in protocol or policy development.
• Performs other highly specialized laboratory tests as appropriate.
• Complies with any quality control policies and procedures and maintains required documentation.
• Maintains a safe environment in accordance with standards, policies and safety regulations. Ensures compliance with infection control policies.
• Handles and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment. Performs or arranges for basic repairs. May alter equipment to meet experiment requirements. Makes recommendations for equipment acquisitions.
• Creates and maintains databases and/or spreadsheets to manage and process information or data.
• May supervise unit employees and/or student workers as assigned. Trains and provides additional instruction as required. Schedules, assigns, and prioritizes workloads on a daily basis. Sets appropriate goals and deadlines. Ensures timely completion of unit's work. Assigns and oversees progress of special projects for staff and student workers.
• Assists in budget preparation by gathering historical data in a limited area, such as materials and supplies or salaries. Tracks and monitors assigned budget expenditures and reports on variances.
• Organizes and maintains supplies. Monitors inventory levels, maintains records of supplies and equipment, and prepares purchase orders as needed. Provides advice on equipment upgrades and acquisitions.
• Keeps informed of developments in field. Reads journals and other relevant publications, attends professional association meetings and seminars as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Successful Candidates Must Demonstrate: 

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. Strong communication and writing skills with demonstrated ability to work as an individual contributor and in a dynamic team environment.

Salary range:

The hourly rate range for this position is $26.41 - $37.02/hr. 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 candidates'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.

• This is a three (3) year fixed-term position.

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. 

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience: 4 years

Preferred Education: Master's degree

Preferred Experience: 7 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.

USC is a smoke-free environment

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 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 uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

• Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
• Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Plan
• Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination
• USC is an E-Verify Employer
• Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$122085.htmld