Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Open Positions

Senior Laboratory Technician


The Senior Lab Technician supports critical operations in the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), reporting directly to the Department Chair and the faculty teaching the laboratory sessions. This position establishes and operates standard laboratory equipment and prepares experimental materials using laboratory protocols and safety guidelines.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Assisting with teaching the laboratory sessions of CE334L Mechanical Behavior of Materials and CE467 Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Helping with the teaching laboratories, including preparing the laboratory for each lab session, training the teaching assistant on using the equipment and data acquisition systems, operating the equipment, performing necessary maintenance and calibration, ordering materials and supplies, and fixing equipment as necessary.
  • Fabricating test samples and test fixtures using metalworking, woodworking, etc., for the laboratory and based on departmental needs.
  • Rigging, moving, and disposing of test samples and fixtures.
  • Operating heavy machinery, including welders, forklifts, overhead cranes, etc.
  • Maintaining laboratory equipment.
  • Cleaning and organizing the laboratory to maintain a safe and orderly work environment for all.
  • Assisting with inventory tracking in the department.
  • Train and assist other laboratory staff and students in operating testing and teaching equipment.
  • Perform and assist in performing other research-related laboratory testing.
  • Conforming to and enforcing laboratory safety policies and protocols in the teaching labs.
  • Purchasing laboratory supplies and equipment.
  • Dropping off and picking up materials and supplies from local stores/vendors according to the laboratory’s needs.
  • Interfacing with USC FPM, EH&S, and other vendors related to equipment purchases, laboratory/facilities renovations/upgrades, and safety compliance.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Chair, including but not limited to event support and department maintenance requests.

Job duties may be added or modified as needed.

The Senior Lab Technician is required to maintain a USC P-Card for laboratory purchases and maintain a valid driver’s license in California. This is an onsite position at USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, California. This position is not eligible for remote work.

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.68 - $32.83. 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.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the mission of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Viterbi staff are expected to facilitate a culture of support and service, model civility and respectful engagement at all times, maintain the highest ethical standards, and maintain strict confidentiality across all facets of their work.

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
  • Minimum Experience: 2 years
  • Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in area of instruction providing strong knowledge of lab protocols and safety guidelines and computerized analysis methods. Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and schedule activities to meet both short-term and long-term deadlines. Knowledge of database operations and data acquisition.
REQ20144317 Posted Date: 01/07/2024

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Postdoctoral Research Associate


The University of Southern California, one of the nation's top universities, invites applications for a full- time, post-doctoral research associate in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Candidates will conduct research focused on testing of construction materials and structures. The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in experimental methods in construction materials and structural engineering. Examples include testing of 3D printed structures, FRP strengthened structures, fresh concrete and hardened concrete, and fiber-reinforced concretes, among others. The candidate should hold a doctoral degree in civil engineering or related fields. Publications in respected journals and a good understanding of testing standards and design guidelines/standards are preferred qualifications. Although not being required, a professional engineering license will be beneficial. The candidates are expected to heavily support the operation of Structures and Materials Research Laboratory as a ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing laboratory providing testing services to the industry. The responsibilities include operating test equipment, performing equipment and sensor calibration, proficiency testing, inventory management, record keeping, coordinating meetings, and preparing for and participating in laboratory audits by the accreditation agency.

Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae, a one-page research statement and the names of three references. Applicants are encouraged to include a succinct statement on fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and welcomes applications from women, underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Applications will be considered starting immediately until the positions are filled.

The annual base salary range for this position is $62,400- $67,080. 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.”

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

Required Documents: Resume/CV, cover letter, research statement (1-page), names of three references.

REQ20143778 Posted Date: 12/14/2023

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