Research Associate

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the city's largest private employer. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology: 

The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology seeks a reliable and self-motivated individual to join the Nation Lab. The Nation Lab at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology investigates brain vascular disease and its role in risk for dementia in older adults. This research entails studying aging adults recruited from the community for brain MRI scans, cognitive testing, and blood-based biomarker assessments over time.

The Research Associate will perform independent research in the laboratory, including synthesis and design of new research projects, carrying out independent experiments, and managing several students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform cell culture studies from participant blood samples.
• Assist with brain MRI scans.
• Assist with bioassays.
• Assist in the management of study data.
• Conduct independent data analysis and drafting of manuscripts and conference abstracts.
• Manage and maintain undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have training in the biomedical or related field with a minimum of a Ph.D. + 1 year of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent. Previous experience with brain MRI, cell culture, and statistical analysis is strongly preferred. The successful candidate should have a strong training record, the ability to learn and work independently, and the capability to collaborate effectively with trainees and staff within the lab. Knowledge and experience in higher education are preferred.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct highly technical and complex research projects, procedures, and analyses in collaboration with the PI and other lab members.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adapt existing protocols to the model.
• Contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
• Play a key role in data management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
• Apply for and acquire grant funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree with 1 year of research experience at the postdoctoral level.
• Background and training in biomedical or related field.
• Experience working in the higher education field is ideal.

This is a full-time position with work expected fully on campus. The work schedule would be M-F (usual hours of operation with flexibility as needed; some after-hours and weekends may be required). Benefits include a competitive salary and a rich array of USC benefits, including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more.

This position is funded by a research contract/grant and may be supported by a subsequent contract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment.

The salary range for this position is $70,745.28 - $79,356.01 . 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.

Join us and contribute to pioneering research in aging and age-related diseases. If you are interested, please submit your completed application, including a cover letter and resume with contact information for three references.

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.