About this role
The Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is seeking a Specialized Lab Technician in Dr. Qilong Ying's lab. The position will support the development and application of CAR-GMP–based immunotherapies and will be responsible for the following duties:
Cell Culture and GMP Biology
- Prepare customized culture media for the expansion and maintenance of mouse and human granulocyte–monocyte progenitors (GMPs)
- Isolate and prepare peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mouse bone marrow
- Isolate mononuclear cells (MNCs) from human cord blood
- Perform in vitro expansion, differentiation, and phenotypic characterization of mouse and human GMPs
Genetic Engineering of GMPs
- Maxiprep plasmid and lentiviral vectors
- Generate genetically modified GMPs using plasmid- and lentiviral-mediated transduction/transfection, including CAR-GMPs
In Vivo Mouse Studies
- Perform intravenous (i.v.) infusion of mouse and human GMPs into mouse models
- Conduct bioluminescence imaging to monitor cell engraftment, migration, and persistence in vivo
Tissue Processing and Histological Analysis
- Prepare cryosections of mouse tissues
- Perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining for tissue and cell analysis
Molecular and Biochemical Analysis
- Perform PCR-based genotyping
- Conduct RT-PCR and Western blot analyses for gene and protein expression studies
Laboratory Operations and Support
- Manage laboratory supplies, including placing and tracking orders
- Maintain accurate experimental records and comply with laboratory safety and regulatory standards
Minimum Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture
- Basic experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR and/or RT-PCR
- Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate laboratory records
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based research environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant biomedical field
- Experience with primary immune cells, particularly myeloid cells (e.g., GMPs, macrophages, dendritic cells)
- Experience in mouse models, including i.v. injections and tissue collection
- Familiarity with lentiviral or plasmid-based gene delivery and generation of genetically modified cells (e.g., CAR engineering)
- Experience with protein and gene expression analyses, including Western blotting and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence
- Experience with bioluminescence imaging or other in vivo imaging modalities
- Prior work in cell-based immunotherapy, translational research, or stem/progenitor cell biology
- Experience working with human samples (e.g., cord blood or PBMCs)
- Familiarity with biosafety (BSL-2) and animal research regulations
Minimum Experience: 4 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 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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About University of Southern California
Keck Medicine of USC is the University of Southern California’s medical enterprise, one of only two university-based medical systems in the Los Angeles area. Keck Medicine combines academic excellence, world-class research and state-of-the-art facilities to provide highly specialized care for some of the most acute patients in the country.
Our internationally renowned physicians and scientists provide world-class patient care at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, USC Arcadia Hospital and more than 100 unique clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Tulare and Ventura counties as well as Las Vegas.
Keck Medical Center of USC, which includes Keck Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital, is among the top 50 hospitals in the country in 8 specialties, as well as the top three hospitals in metro Los Angeles and top 10 hospitals in California, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals rankings.
What you'll do
- The Specialized Lab Technician will support the development and application of CAR-GMP-based immunotherapies, including cell culture, genetic engineering, and in vivo mouse studies. Responsibilities also include tissue processing, histological analysis, and managing laboratory operations.
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