Senior Research Associate

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 76,675 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in California is seeking a Senior Research Associate to engage in research at the intersection of human medical and population genetics. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. and over three years of experience in genetics research, focusing on genomic data and its implications for personalized medicine. The position offers a salary range of $76,675 to $90,000, with opportunities for mentoring students and collaborating on significant research projects.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in human genetics or population genetics research.
• 18 months of post-doctoral experience required.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, C++, or R.

Responsibilities

• Manage ongoing research projects in human medical and population genetics.
• Explore projects related to demographic history and genetic variation.
• Assist in training and mentoring students within the lab.

Skills

Genomic data analysis

Programming languages (Python, C++, R)

Population genetics research

Unix-based computing

Education

Ph.D. in genetics or related field

Job description

A Senior Research Associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Charleston Chiang at USC. The Chiang lab utilizes cutting‑edge analytic tools to address questions at the intersection of human medical and population genetics. In particular, we have a strong interest in using genomic data to understand the evolution and architecture of complex traits and the history of diverse human populations. These insights will be critical for future medical genetics studies and in practicing personalized medicine.

The successful candidate will have substantial input in the nature and direction of the ongoing research projects within the lab and will be encouraged to explore projects that broadly fit within the lab's research interests and funded R35 and R01 grants. The goals include learning about demographic history or natural selection from genetic variation data, or understanding genetic architecture and evolutionary history of complex traits in diverse populations. Opportunities are available for both method development as well as analysis of large‑scale genotyping, next‑generation sequencing, and multi‑omic data in humans from diverse populations.

A Ph.D. in genetics, computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field is required. The candidate should have had at least 3 years of experience in conducting human genetics or population genetics research in a Unix‑based computing environment, 18 months of post‑doctoral experience, and be proficient in one or more programming languages (e.g. python, C++, R, etc.). The position expects a longer‑term (> 2 yr) commitment, contingent upon sufficient progress on research projects. In addition to assisting and overseeing multiple ongoing projects in the lab, the successful candidate is expected to participate in training and mentoring students.

The successful candidate is expected to be based in the greater Los Angeles area (encompassing Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura county; within daily commute distance from campus), but some level of working from home is possible. We are actively establishing a vibrant and respectful culture in the research group. See brief notes on how we are working toward this goal here: http://chianglab.usc.edu/resources.html

Interested candidate should submit a CV, short (1-2 pages) cover letter describing your research interests and fit within the lab, and contact information for two to three references. Reference letters are accepted, but not required at this stage. Informal inquiry can be directly submitted to Charleston Chiang at [e-mail].

The annual base salary range for this position is $76,675.67 - $90,000, commensurate with prior experience and relevant expertise. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as 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: 3 years
• Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts.