Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work.


The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate in the Neurobiology Department. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences

The Liman Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our team studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sensory transduction, with a focus on proton-selective ion channels (OTOPs) and their roles in cellular physiology in the taste and other systems. OTOP1, first described for its role in the vestibular system, was only recently reported by us to form a proton channel and sour taste receptor (Tu et al, Science, 2018; Teng et al, Curr Biol, 2019). The Liman lab has also identified elements of gating, described new contributions of OTOP1 to ammonium salt taste, and in collaboration published the structure of OTOP1 and identified small molecule inhibitors. This is just the beginning and there is still much to be learned!

Research Focus
Projects will involve dissecting ion channel function and contribution to physiology using a combination of patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, imaging, and in vivo models. Depending on interests and background, the fellow may lead work on:

• Structure-function analysis of OTOP family members and mechanisms of proton conduction and channel gating
• Contribution of OTOP channels to taste and other physiological processes using transgenic mouse models
• Discovery of modulators or inhibitors of proton channels

Preferred Background

• PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Strong foundation in electrophysiology (whole-cell, excised patch, or similar) or advanced molecular biology/transgenic mouse design and testing
• Experience with heterologous expression systems, primary cells, or mouse models is a plus
• Evidence of productivity (first-author publications, preprints)

What We Offer

• A supportive and data-driven research environment with opportunity to interact with the larger USC community
• Competitive NIH-scale salary with generous benefits and mentoring tailored toward academic or industry career paths
• A park-like campus located near the heart of Los Angeles, and within close proximity to beautiful beaches and snow-capped mountains

Start Date
The position is grant funded. It is open now and will remain until filled.

Salary range: The salary for this position is $70,304.00. 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.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume (with publications) and cover letter stating research interests and career goals required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• Fixed-term position.
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field

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 or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

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