Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

This is a grant funded, fixed-term position (eligible for renewal)

The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is recruiting a talented Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Yang Chai (

The Chai Lab is interested in the regulation of developmental patterning, organogenesis, stem cells and regenerative medicine. Our studies seek to define molecular mechanisms governing both normal and abnormal craniofacial development, providing scientific rationales for future therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat craniofacial birth defects, as well as stem cell-based craniofacial regenerative medicine.

CCMB is located on the Health Sciences Campus of USC, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative and interactive research environment. Postdocs will participate in weekly seminars with other researchers who are interested in developmental biology and stem cells in tissue regeneration. There are ample cross-training opportunities in areas such as bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and translational medicine. Postdocs will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts nationally and internationally.

The candidate must have a PhD and be experienced with molecular and developmental biology. Our research projects are supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

To apply, please send your C.V. and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Yang Chai (c/o Ms. Stephanie Jones View email address on click.appcast.io and View email address on click.appcast.io).

Job Accountabilities:

• Serves as a research trainee for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies. Participates in planning, designing and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of a supervisor.
• Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization.
• Analyzes and evaluates research data and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research.
• Searches literature, utilizing all available resources including electronic, regarding new methodology and designs experiments accordingly.
• Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records.
• Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory/scientific equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate will perform and train to use equipment for Immunology, Molecular genetics, Flow Cytometry, Microbiology, DNA & RNA isolation from FFPE tissues, RT qPCR, RT2 Profiler PCR Array, Immunohistochemistry, Tissue microarray, and Digital image analysis.

The annual base salary range for this position is $68,500 - $72,500. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of 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.

Position: Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Type: Grant-funded, fixed-term (with potential for renewal)

Salary: $68,500 - $72,500 per year

Location: USC Health Sciences Campus (Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry)

Requirements & Skills
Education: Ph.D. required.

Background: Experience in molecular and developmental biology.

Lab Techniques: You will use and train on advanced methods like DNA/RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, Flow Cytometry, Immunohistochemistry, and digital image analysis.

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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