Animal Research Lab Specialist

Job Overview USC Department of Ophthalmology is seeking an Animal Research Lab Specialist. Working directly under the supervision of the Senior Research Administrator, the Specialist works closely with a variety of team members across laboratories to support timeline‑driven project milestones and to follow approved protocols. The role plans and performs animal studies, supervises laboratory staff, and serves as a liaison between the Research Lab and the Department of Animal Resources, which provides animal health care under licensed veterinarians. The Specialist also performs ophthalmologic clinical procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species, ensures proper handling, examinations, sample collection, necropsy, and medication administration, maintains detailed records, and complies with all regulatory standards. Responsibilities Collaborates with principal investigators and other research team members to plan, design, and conduct highly technical and complex research projects; determines time, resources, and personnel needed; serves as team leader and trains others unfamiliar with preclinical studies. Reviews relevant literature, data sources, and background information to enhance planning and design of experiments. Reviews literature on animal Dry Eye disease models to assess consequences and problems associated with disease induction and to evaluate therapeutic responses. Designs, implements, and maintains a system to ensure thorough, accurate, and well‑organized records; prepares timely technical reports and contributes to papers; analyzes research data and determines clinical significance of findings. Supervises laboratory staff and student workers; provides training and technical guidance; schedules, assigns, and prioritizes work; monitors and evaluates employee performance; offers counseling or discipline as needed. Sets appropriate deadlines; monitors daily experimental team performance; ensures timely completion of experimental work; coordinates schedules of direct reports and other personnel to maximize resource utilization. Establishes written standard operating procedures and protocols for planned pre‑clinical studies; reviews protocols prior to implementation to ensure compliance with SOPs and documentation accuracy. Performs clinical ophthalmologic laboratory examinations on small and large animals, including Schirmer’s tests, ocular surface staining, tear break‑up time, necropsy and tissue isolation, and biochemical analyses such as clinical pathology, microbiology, parasitology, PCR, and ELISA. Performs animal surgery and handling; manages the animal procedure/surgical team; determines appropriate instruments and surgical approach; consults with vivaria and veterinary personnel on analgesic use and postoperative care. Provides post‑procedural and post‑operative care and monitoring; observes animals daily to assess health status, signs of pain or discomfort, and administer analgesia or treatment as needed; performs animal necropsy for study purposes. Performs histological preparation and tissue dissection; establishes scoring systems to measure relevant parameters and capture therapeutic efficacy markers. Acquires specialized equipment and supplies; researches, purchases, or locates items to ensure availability for studies. Interacts with vivaria personnel to ensure animal care and regulatory compliance; discusses procedures, complications, and remedies with vivaria staff; determines approach to each complication. Communicates with researchers and the Department of Animal Resources about animal health and research needs via email, phone, or in person. Required Qualifications Master’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of hands‑on experience in laboratory animal research, including ophthalmic or surgical models. Demonstrated proficiency in rodent and rabbit handling and advanced procedural techniques. Experience performing or supporting ophthalmic procedures (e.g., dosing, imaging, ocular exams). Strong working knowledge of animal welfare regulations. Proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and lead technical activities. Experience training or mentoring junior staff. Excellent documentation, organizational, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends as required. Physical ability to perform laboratory duties, including lifting up to 40lbs. Preferred Qualifications AALAS certification (LAT or LATG strongly preferred). Extensive experience with ophthalmic instrumentation and testing. Hands‑on experience with microsurgical techniques or ocular injections (intravitreal, subretinal). Experience in regulated environments (GLP, GMP, or industry‑sponsored studies). Familiarity with advanced ocular disease models (Dry Eye Disease, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma). Veterinary technician certification or surgical support background. Experience contributing to study design, protocol development, or regulatory submissions. Proficiency with digital imaging systems and data analysis software. Strong leadership and cross‑functional communication skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships at all levels. High level of integrity and honesty; confidentiality maintenance. Multi‑tasking, sound judgment, decision‑making, cooperative and team‑oriented attitude. Effective facilitator in various settings. Minimum Requirements Minimum Education: Master’s degree. Minimum Experience: 5years. Minimum Skills: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, and analysis methods. Preferred Experience: 7years. Location: USC Health Science Campus, Los Angeles, CA. This position is on‑site; the employee must report when scheduled. Salary: $69,418.42 – $85,000. Equal Opportunity Statement 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. Physical Requirements The position requires the physical ability to perform laboratory duties, including lifting up to 40lbs. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Southern California