Senior Research Associate

Engineering Management Student Association (EMSA); Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California (USC) invites applications for a Senior Research Associate in the Chiang lab in Los Angeles, CA. The role focuses on human genetics and population genetics, with opportunities from method development to large-scale sequencing and multi-omics analyses.

The candidate will influence project direction, mentor students, and work from a hybrid setup with potential home work. A PhD in a related field and 3+ years of relevant Unix-based research are required.

Qualifications

• PhD required in genetics, computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related field.
• At least 3 years of human/population genetics research in Unix-based environments.
• 18 months of post-doctoral experience desired.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, R).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ongoing projects in the Chiang lab and guide multiple initiatives.
• Collaborate on methods development and analysis of large-scale genomics data.
• Mentor students and support training within the lab.

Skills

Python

C++

R

Education

PhD in genetics or related field

Tools

Unix

Job description

Senior Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA

Job ID REQ20170747 Category Research and Clinical Support

Helpful Information for Applicants

A Senior Research Associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Charleston Chiang at USC. The Chiang lab (opens in new window) 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 the 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. These 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 Unix-based computing environment, 18 months of post-doctoral experience, and 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 towards this goal here: http://chianglab.usc.edu/resources.html (opens in new window)

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 2-3 references. Reference letters are accepted, but not required at this stage. Informal inquiry can be directly submitted to Charleston Chiang at [e-mail] (opens in new window).

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 (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 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.

Posted Date: 02/24/2026