Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Overview

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI), Dr. Lily Dara. This NIH‑funded post‑doctoral position is available to study immune‑mediated liver injury and hepatotoxicity pathways that control innate and adaptive immune responses in the liver in the context of drug‑induced liver injury.

The position will be focused on defining molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling immune responses and cell‑death pathways in the liver using animal models, in‑vitro models, NAMs, and translational approaches using patient biospecimens. The applicant must be able and willing to work with transgenic animal models as well as human biospecimens. This study integrates cutting‑edge molecular technologies with traditional cell and molecular biology‑based approaches.

Please refer to our recent publications for further information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative individuals capable of independent reasoning and excited about learning new technologies and translational approaches related to hepatotoxicity. Candidates should have excellent writing and communication skills and be familiar with techniques such as multi‑color flow cytometry, cell isolation, tissue culture, ELISA, RT‑PCR, animal handling, and molecular biology. On‑the‑job training will be provided for many advanced immunology techniques, preparing you for an academic career or a drug safety position in pharma and biotechnology companies.

This job is open only for recent graduate applicants with a PhD or applicants expected to graduate soon from a PhD program. A background in liver disease, toxicology, or pharmaceutical sciences is an added advantage.

The laboratory is located in the Hoffman Medical Research Building. Animal rooms and core state‑of‑the‑art research facilities are on campus equipped with genomics cores for single‑cell studies, immunology facilities with flow cytometry analyzers, FACS and magnetic sorters, confocal microscopy, etc. Both of USC’s primary campuses are located in the heart of Los Angeles, with easy access to LA Live and downtown LA.

• PhD in a relevant field (or expected PhD graduation).
• Strong knowledge of immune biology, liver disease, toxicology, or pharmaceutical sciences.
• Experience with multi‑color flow cytometry, cell isolation, tissue culture, ELISA, RT‑PCR, animal handling, and molecular biology techniques.
• Willingness to work with transgenic animal models and human biospecimens.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to learn and apply new technologies and translational approaches related to hepatotoxicity.

• Planning, generating scientific hypotheses, and conducting highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with the PI.
• Coordinating timelines to ensure completion of deliverables linked to progress reports and RPPR submissions.
• Identifying, researching, compiling, and evaluating data sources, background information, and/or technology related to the area of specialization.
• Analyzing and evaluating research data using computers and providing interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research, searching literature, and designing experiments accordingly.
• Contributing to the development of research documentation for publication and/or preparing technical reports and records to support regulatory and NIH reporting requirements.
• Operating and maintaining sophisticated laboratory/scientific equipment.
• Working with transgenic animal cell lines and tumor models.

Location:

Health Sciences Campus, Hoffman Medical Research (HMR) Building. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

This position will be exempt and on‑site.

Salary Range:
The annual base salary range is $70,304.00 – $80,327.00. The offer will consider the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, peer equity, applicable federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education:

Ph.D.