Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate

The Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) on Environmental Health invites applications for a PostDoctoral Research Associate position in environmental health to conduct cutting-edge translational research investigating environmental exposures, multiomics, and health outcomes across the lifespan.

The position will support the research goals of the center by contributing to translational study design, conducting independent analyses to investigate the exposome on health outcomes, and dissemination of research through development of manuscripts, presentations, and community-centered materials and media. The ideal candidate will have expertise in environmental health, epidemiology and/or biostatistics who can perform large-scale population research with expertise in high-dimensional data analysis and integrated omics and have experience or interest in integration of data from human epidemiolocal studies and in vitro experimental studies. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to conduct statistical analysis independently, mentor graduate students, and track and manage projects, as needed. As a postdoctoral researcher at USC, fellows will have the opportunity for advanced multidisciplinary training through coursework in any of the Department’s graduate programs including Epidemiology and Biostatistics as well as other departments at USC.

Fellows will also have numerous opportunities for career development training through meetings, seminars and workshops hosted by SCEHSC and KSOM. The enriched career development program will help early investigators develop essential skills for an independent research career, including grant and manuscript writing, scientific presentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Post-doctoral fellows must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field (epidemiology, environmental health sciences, genetics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, molecular or computational biology, etc.), and have demonstrated interest in environmental health and disease prevention.

Intermediate to advanced skills with at least one statistical and/or programming software is required, e.g., SAS, R and Python. Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Doctoral degree required (e.g. PhD, MD, DO, DVM, PharmD). Degree in Environmental Health, Epidemiology, or a related discipline preferred • Ability to manage multiple projects. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential attributes for this position. • Knowledge of and experience with spreadsheet, relational database, graphics, and word processing software is required. Intermediate to advanced skills with at least one statistical software package is required, e.g., SAS, R, STATA, Python • Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Advanced programming skills in R including experience with the tidyverse suite of packages • Analysis of large biological datasets (e.g. metabolomics, microRNA, etc.) • Experience developing code in a team environment (e.g. git/GitHub)

The annual base salary range for this position is 70,000. 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 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 Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods. Preferred Field of Expertise: Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field. Skills: Other: Analysis Assessment/evaluation Communication -- written and oral skills Conceptualization and design Organization Planning Problem identification and resolution Project management Research Statistical analysis Skills: Machine/Equipment: Calculator Computer network (department or school) Computer network (university) Computer peripheral equipment Fax Personal computer Photocopier Supervises: Level: May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers. Comments: A copy of the doctoral diploma or other certification that indicates that the terminal degree has been completed satisfactorily is required. If the doctoral candidate has not yet obtained a degree, he/she should provide evidence that a thesis has been approved together with a documented indication of the expected date of formal graduation. It is the responsibility of the faculty mentor to verify this documentation. The documentation is to be filed with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.