Research Associate

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI), Dr. Lily Dara. This NIH-funded postdoctoral position will investigate immune-mediated liver injury, cholestasis, and mechanisms of liver injury, cell death, and hepatotoxicity. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with expertise in immunology, translational biology, organoid systems, and preferably computational analysis of large-scale datasets to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on clinically relevant liver disease.

The project will focus on defining molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating innate and adaptive immune responses in the liver, with emphasis on immune cell, cholangiocyte, and hepatocyte interactions, inflammatory signaling pathways, and mechanisms of tissue injury and repair. Candidates with experience in human organoid models, single-cell and spatial omics, systems immunology, or integrative analysis of high-dimensional datasets are particularly encouraged to apply.

The laboratory combines translational patient-based research with mechanistic studies using advanced experimental and computational approaches, including:

• Human liver organoid and ex vivo model systems
• Mouse organoid model systems
• Syngeneic tumor models
• Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics
• Multi-omics integration and bioinformatics
• Advanced immunophenotyping and flow cytometry
• CRISPR-based functional genomics
• Translational studies involving patient-derived biospecimens

Applicants should demonstrate strong scientific curiosity, independence, and collaborative skills. Experience with R/Python, machine learning approaches, biostatistics, or large clinical/immunologic datasets is highly desirable. Candidates with backgrounds spanning immunology, hepatology, systems biology, computational biology, bioengineering, or translational medicine are encouraged to apply.

The laboratory is located in the Hoffman Medical Research Building at the University of Southern California (USC), with access to outstanding interdisciplinary research resources, including genomics, single-cell, imaging, and computational cores. USC provides a vibrant academic environment with strong collaborations across medicine, engineering, and data science.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

Curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references.

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,745.- $75,000. 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: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods. Preferred Field of Expertise: Directly related education in immunology, hepatology, systems biology, computational biology, bioengineering, or translational medicine