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

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.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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