Research Associate

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

USC employment perks

Job summary

University of Southern California seeks a Research Associate for the NIH-funded Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology in Los Angeles. The candidate will lead laboratory studies, breed mouse lines, perform histology and electron microscopy, and help prepare manuscripts under Dr.

Paine's guidance. Applicants should have a PhD with 3–5 years postdoctoral experience, strong molecular biology skills, and proven ability to work with mutant mouse lines and complex data analyses.

Qualifications

• PhD required with 3–5 years postdoctoral experience.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and mouse genetics.
• Record-keeping and manuscript preparation experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior researcher within the laboratory.
• Maintain and breed mouse lines to support research studies.
• Conduct histology, immunofluorescence, and extensive EM studies.
• Collaborate with the PI to prepare drafts of scientific manuscripts for publication.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Mouse genetics

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Immunolocalization

CT imaging

SEM imaging

Histology

Job description

## Research AssociateApply: Los Angeles, CA - Health Sciences Campus: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: December 31, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): REQ20181579This is a **temporary, fixed-term; one year** position We are seeking a highly motivated **Research Associate** to join our NIH-funded laboratory at the **Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California.**These **NIH-funded positions** offer an outstanding opportunity for collaboration with a diverse team of researchers and physicians, contributing to pioneering research in craniofacial biology, tissue regeneration, and cellular metabolism. We are committed to promoting diversity, nurturing career advancement, and supporting the future academic autonomy of accomplished candidates.This **Research Associate** will serve as a key personnel on **Dr. Michael Paine's** research projects. The candidate will participate in all laboratory activities to enhance and develop research competencies and will take part in planning, designing, and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of Dr. Paine. The candidate will also analyze research data, provide interpretations, contribute to the development of research documentation for publication, and prepare technical reports, papers, and records.**Preferred Field of Expertise/ Requirements:*** PhD degree.* Minimum of 3-5 years’ postdoctoral experience.* Postdoctoral experience or knowledge with techniques related to studies in molecular biology.* Experience with the breeding protocols of mutant mouse lines* Performing all techniques related to genotype and phenotype mutant mice, including PCR, qPCR, immunolocalization, CT imaging, SEM imaging* Maintaining all scientific records, and writing manuscripts related to all current research projects in the group.**Key Responsibilities:*** Serve as a senior researcher within the laboratory.* Maintain and breed mouse lines to support research studies involving the silencing of phosphate ion channels.* Conduct histology, immunofluorescence, and extensive electron microscopy (EM) studies.* Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Michael Paine to prepare initial drafts of scientific manuscripts for publication.**Compensation:** The annual base salary range for this position is **$75,000 - $80,000/year.** 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.**USC Benefits & Perks:** Discover the power of your USC employment with our **comprehensive benefits and perks package!** At USC, we prioritize the well-being of our faculty and staff, offering a diverse range of benefits designed to protect your health, wealth, and future. From robust healthcare coverage to retirement planning resources, our benefits are an essential part of your total rewards package. Explore the full spectrum of benefits and perks available to you at **USC Benefits and Perks** and unlock the true value of your USC employment today!**Apply now and be part of the Trojan Family!****FIGHT ON!**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.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. **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 [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.**