USC Department of Ophthalmology is seeking an Animal Research Lab Specialist. Working directly under the supervision of the Senior Research Administrator, the Animal Research Lab Specialist works closely with a variety of team members, including from different laboratories, in support of achieving timeline driven project milestones and following approved protocols. This position plans and performs animal studies, supervises laboratory staff performing animal studies and serves as a liaison between the Research lab and the Department of Animal Resources which provides animal health care for laboratory animals under the supervision of
licensed veterinarians. The Animal Research Lab Specialist performs ophthalmological clinical procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species including ensuring proper handling, examinations, sample collection, necropsy, and administration of medications. The role is also responsible for detailed and accurate record keeping and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail oriented. The position requires excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to be decisive and adaptable. Additionally, the candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills and be ethically grounded. Candidates should have extensive experience with ensuring compliance with institutional, federal, and ethical guidelines (e.g., IACUC, USDA, AAALAC).
Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Collaborates with principal investigator and other members of the research team to plan, design and conduct highly technical and complex research projects. Determines the time needed to perform the studies, the resources needed, and the personnel required to complete the study. Serves as team leader for the study and trains other members of the research team 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 ascertain the cons quences and problems associated with induction of disease in model systems and to evaluate indications of therapeutic response.
- Designs, implements and maintains a system to ensure thorough, accurate and well- organized records. Prepares timely technical reports and contributes to papers. Analyzes and evaluates research data generated from ophthalmic experiments. Working with project investigators and the research team, determines clinical significance of a finding.
- Supervises laboratory staff and student workers. Trains and provides technical guidance as needed. Schedules, assigns and prioritizes work. Monitors and evaluates employee performance and counsels or disciplines as needed.
- Sets appropriate deadlines. Monitors experimental team performance on a day-to-day basis. Ensures timely completion of experimental work. Coordinates work and schedules of direct reports in the laboratory and other personnel from other areas to maximize the utility of available resources.
- Establishes written standard operating procedures and protocols for the planned pre- clinical studies. Has responsibility for the review of protocols prior to impl mentation to ensure compliance with the standard operating procedures and to confirm that the documentation used reflects that compliance. Documents steps within an experiment.
- Performs clinical ophthalmological laboratory examinations on small and large animals, including Schirmer’s tests, ocular surface staining, tear break up time (TBUT), necropsy and tissue isolation, and biochemical analysis such as clinical pathology, microbiology, parasitology, PCR, ELISA.,
- Performs animal surgery and handling. Has responsibility for the animal
procedure/surgical team and maintaining facilities at the vivaria. Determines the
appropriate instruments and surgical approach, in collaboration with study team. Consults with vivaria and veterinary personnel on type of analgesics to utilize, how long to give analgesics, etc. Ensures animals receive appropriate post procedural and post-operative care.
- Performs post procedural and post-operative care and monitoring. Observes animal(s) daily after procedures or surgery to determine health status on the basis of general attitude and appearance, food consumption, abnormal discharges, etc. Observes animal(s) daily after procedure or surgery for the apparent presence of pain and/or discomfort. Makes determinations as to the administering of analgesia to animals (e.g., prolonging analgesia, treatment of abnormal behavior or clinical signs). Performs animal necropsy for purpose of study, data collection, scoring, tissue harvest, etc.
- Performs histological preparation and tissue dissection. Establishes scoring systems to measure relevant parameters to reflect observations and capture relevant markers of therapeutic efficacy, as needed. Acquires specialized equipment and/or supplies to conduct studies. Researches items, materials and/or equipment that would work best for a given study. Collaborates with veterinarians, reviews catalogues, and visits veterinary supply houses to procure appropriate instrumentation for animal procedures. Locates and
purchases items, materials and/or equipment to ensure availability for study.
- Interacts with vivaria personnel to ensure animal care and compliance with regulations. Discusses procedures to be utilized, possible complications within the procedures and remedies to the complications with vivaria staff. Ensures remedies are in compliance with university, state and federal requirements for animal handling. Has responsibility for determinations regarding how to approach each complication and situation that arises as experiments are conducted.
- Communicates with researchers and the Department of Animal resources by email, phone, and in person about animal health and research needs.
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 40 lbs
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 (e.g., 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 communication skills – both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain relationships at all levels.
- Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to multi-task effectively and demonstrate strong organizational skills.
- Sound judgment and decision making
- A cooperative and team-oriented attitude
- Effective facilitator in various settings
Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.
This position is on-site and employee must report to work at the USC Health Science Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs, including weekend and off hours work.
The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $69,418.42 - $85,000. 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.
Minimum Education: Master's degree Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Skills: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods. Preferred Experience: 7 years
