Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in California is seeking a postdoctoral researcher dedicated to key research in neuro-oncology. This temporary position involves utilizing advanced research equipment to investigate brain tumor states and contribute to pioneering therapeutic strategies. The ideal candidate will hold a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Medicine, have experience with animal models and molecular biology, and possess strong communication skills. The annual salary is approximately $70,000.

Qualifications

• Degree of Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Medicine or equivalent.
• Complete graduate school within the last 3 years.
• Minimum field of expertise in biological or physical science.

Responsibilities

• Investigate brain tumor mechanisms and target therapeutic strategies.
• Analyze and report findings in papers, posters, and presentations.
• Utilize specialized skills and equipment in research activities.

Skills

Animal models of cancer

Molecular biology

Immunology

Microscopy

Genomics

Bioinformatics

Excellent writing skills

Communication skills

Education

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Medicine

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Plate readers

MATLAB

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Southern California Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to play a major role in key research areas in human translational research in neuro‑oncology. This is a temporary and fixed‑term position based at Health Sciences Campus of USC and hospitals affiliated with USC. Postdoctoral fellows will receive training in cell reprogramming (including from tumor cells to antigen presenting cells and mesenchymal stem cells to cardiomyocytes and neurons et al.), novel mechanisms of Tumor Treating Fields, mechanisms of master regulators of cancer stem cells, gene therapy (AAV/RRV) to target stem cell master regulators, cancer immunotherapy for glioblastoma.

The postdoctoral fellow can expect to:

• Utilize professional, specialized expertise to investigate the mechanism of brain tumor state and identify new methods to target the state of brain tumors as a therapeutic strategy. This involves the utilization of research equipment deployed in the neurology intensive care unit.
• Analyze and report research findings in written form in research papers or scientific posters, and manuscripts to be submitted into peer‑review journals indexed in medical and life sciences databases. Additionally, research reports may be required to be presented in scientific events such as departmental or laboratory meetings, conference, seminars, or poster presentations.
• Utilize special skills and tools to perform the job by manipulating physical equipment such as workstations and laptops, PCR, qPCR, plate readers, tissue culture facility, equipment for surgery for small rodents; as well as the use of non‑physical tools such as MATLAB and Microsoft Office software. This equipment will be employed to collect, process, display, and analyze data in research studies.

Salary range:

The annual base salary for this position is $70,000 - $70,000. 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 Requirements

• Minimum Education: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Medicine or equivalent
• Minimum Experience: Complete graduate school within the last 3 years
• Minimum Field‑of‑Expertise: Biological or physical science

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred Education: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Research or Doctor of Medicine or equivalent
• Preferred Experience: Experience working with animal models of cancer, molecular biology, immunology, and microscopy; working knowledge of genomics and bioinformatics; excellent writing and communication skills.
• Preferred Field‑of‑Expertise: Biomedical research