The University of Southern California Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences - Office of Research seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as Associate Director for the Translational Research Laboratory (TRLab) Core.

The mission of the Translational Research Laboratory (TRLab), located in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, is to provide investigators with a state-of-the-art technological platform and technical expertise to advance translational research endeavors in the Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and at USC. The TRLab core has over 80 different instruments categorized into 7 different applications including sample processing, molecular biology, cell and immunobiology, flow cytometry, imaging, molecular analysis, RNA/DNA sequencing with both basic and advanced usages.

Job Responsibilities:

The Associate Director of TRLab will report directly to the Senior Associate Director for Research Affairs. The Associate Director will have primary responsibilities in two major areas: 1) training of research personnel and 2) oversight of laboratory operations in all areas of the Translational Laboratory which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide senior-level technical guidance and training to research personnel for instruments in the TRLab. May be called upon to assist in experimental design.
• Design and implement scheduling of TRLab activities such as seminars and hands-on demonstrations on the use of instruments as well as access to the use of instruments.
• Develop clear TRLab use policies (e.g. equipment access and training) and apply them consistently and fairly to all users.
• Work with the School’s administrative office and vendors to negotiate equipment purchases, service contracts, and schedule preventative maintenance and repair.
• Provide support and guidance for the continued development and expansion of TRLab activities.
• Ensure that all activities conducted in the TRLab meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that TRLab activities reflect fiscally sound utilization of resources. Identify areas to increase efficiency and productivity and identify areas of overlap with other services provided by USC Core Facilities. The Associate Director will also be expected to seek out and submit to equipment grant opportunities.
• Prepare progress reports, strategic plans, resource descriptions, and other related tasks.
• Track key usage statistics to provide actionable insight on usage, billing, and costs to key stakeholders including the Associate Dean for Research.
• Maintain a premier TRLab core service by ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction, and excellent business relationships with internal and external stakeholders including marketing and advertising, keeping abreast of the research needs of faculty and evolving technologies, and building up networks in the R&D and marketing teams at major technology companies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will also possess:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills. Individual must interact with peers, researchers, internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Strong scientific background with working knowledge of techniques and instruments associated with research carried out in the TRLab. A list of equipment the Associate Director will be responsible for can be found on our website:
  • https://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/core-facilities/translational-research-lab/
  • https://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/core-facilities/histology-lab/
• Excellent planning, organizational; fiscal and personnel management; and administrative skills
• Strong track record of working with diverse users with a wide range of technical expertise, education and background.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude
• Strong customer service orientation
• Professional and ethical behavior

Preferred Education:

• Ph.D. in science or engineering is highly preferred.
• MS in a science or engineering or related area with 5 years of experience

Preferred Experience : At least 5 years’ experience in the operation of the majority of equipment in TRLab, with preferably at least three years’ experience in a core facility.

The annual base salary range for this position is $91,165 - $100,000. 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.

The University of Southern California is a world-renowned research and educational institution recognized internationally for its excellence in fundamental, translational, and clinical areas. The University has long been recognized as a place for nurturing young scientists, with postdoctoral researchers being an integral part of the discovery process. The University offers a warm, collegial, diverse, and collaborative work environment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 7 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Specialized, progressively responsible experience in laboratory instrumentation