Project Assistant

About the role

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology:  The Lee Lab at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is seeking a Project Assistant (fixed-term, 4 months) to join our staff and student community. Our lab studies mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs), a class of small bioactive peptides encoded in the mitochondrial genome, including MOTS-c. We investigate how these peptides regulate metabolism, cellular stress responses, and aging, and how they can be developed into therapeutics for age-related diseases, including cancer. This is a hands-on bench position that functions as the lab's core staff scientist and lab manager. The Project Assistant (Fixed-Term)will run experiments end to end, keep the lab running day to day, and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications. The work includes mammalian cell culture, mouse studies (handling, treatment and dosing, metabolic phenotyping, tissue collection), molecular and biochemical assays, live-cell imaging, sample processing, and data entry and management. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Changhan David Lee, the Project Assistant will work closely with the lab's graduate students and postdocs as well as collaborators across USC, including the Keck School of Medicine and the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques, working familiarity with Microsoft Office and common data analysis and imaging software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, ImageJ), excellent communication skills, and strong attention to detail. Previous experience as a Research Assistant or technician in a molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or physiology lab is preferred; mouse handling experience is a plus. This position requires careful record keeping, sound judgment in a shared lab environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Roles and responsibilities include: Under the direction of the PI, perform and assist with experiments, including cell culture, mouse studies, tissue and sample collection and processing, molecular and biochemical assays (e.g., western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, immunostaining and microscopy, metabolic assays), basic data analysis, and record keeping. General lab management: maintaining and ordering supplies and reagents, equipment maintenance, and maintaining compliance with safety, training, and animal-use protocols (IACUC, IBC, EH&S), including protocol amendments and renewals. Performing literature reviews, grant submissions, publications, figure and methods preparation, and reports. Training and supporting new lab members, including undergraduate and rotation students. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular or cell biology, physiology, neuroscience, or a related science field. Combined experience/education as a substitute for minimum education. Hands-on laboratory experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques; prior mouse work is strongly preferred. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are essential. The candidate must have the ability to work independently and have a passion for the lab's scientific mission and a commitment to exceptional quality. This is a non-exempt position with work expected on campus and occasionally on weekends (e.g., for animal studies and time-course experiments). Benefits include a competitive salary and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more. The hourly rate range for this position is $25.96-$29.19. 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. This position is funded by a research grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this grant to continue employment. If you are interested, please submit your completed application, including a cover letter and resume with references. Thank you for your interest! Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of data collection procedures and some experience with proposal preparation and production of technical documents