Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

University of Southern California - Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 72,500; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California - Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology in Los Angeles is recruiting a Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Yang Chai.

The role focuses on molecular and developmental biology, immunology and regenerative medicine, with grant-supported research and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. This fixed-term appointment is eligible for renewal and supported by NIH/other grants.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or related field.
• Experience with molecular and developmental biology.
• Experience with immunology and flow cytometry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research trainee to design and conduct complex experiments under supervision.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and contribute to publications.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment.
• Review literature and design experiments with novel methodologies.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including bioinformatics and translational medicine.
• Support grant-related activities and seminars.

Skills

Molecular biology

Developmental biology

Immunology

Flow cytometry

Education

PhD in biology or related field

Job description

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 (https://chailab.usc.edu/).

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.

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 $70,304 - $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.