Senior Research Associate

USC Auxiliary Services; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Senior Research Associate in the Chiang Lab at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. The role involves leading research directions, mentoring students, and working on genomic data analyses related to human genetics and population genetics.

The candidate is expected to be based in the greater Los Angeles area with some work-from-home flexibility and long-term commitment to ongoing projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in genetics, CS, bioinformatics or related field.
• At least 3 years of human/population genetics research in a Unix environment.
• 18 months of post-doctoral experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, R).

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple ongoing lab projects and contribute to study direction.
• Mentor and train students within the lab and collaborate with team members.

Skills

Python

C++

R

Education

Ph.D. in genetics/computational biology

Tools

Unix

Job description

Senior Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA

Job ID REQ20170747

Category Research and Clinical Support

Helpful Information for Applicants

External Applicants Internal Applicants (Current USC Employees)

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)

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.

Job ID REQ20170747 Posted Date 02/24/2026