Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a Postdoctoral/Research Associate.

A newly established laboratory of Dr. Yao Wei Lu is recruiting two Postdoc Research Associates. Dr. Lu’s lab studies gene regulation that dictates cell fates and states in development and diseases. The Lu Lab is particularly interested in applying various cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to understand the post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular development, regeneration, and diseases. The position is for qualified candidates who wish to pursue a career in the basic and translational research of cardiovascular biology.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Plans, designs, and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently.

• Conducting cellular and molecular experiments for hypothesis-driven research.

• Preparing presentations and publishing scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.

• Responsible for teaching techniques to other lab members.

• Serves as a project liaison between the lab and their collaborators.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Preferred Qualifications

Highly motivated Ph.D. with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: cell/molecular/developmental biology, mouse genetics, human induced pluripotent stem cells, and related biomedical science fields are encouraged to apply. The candidate must also have enthusiasm, excellent critical thinking skills, a track record of productivity as demonstrated by at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication, an ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, and proficiency in written and oral English communication.

Interested applicants could send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, a current CV with recent publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Yao Wei Lu at yaoweilu@usc.edu

The University of Southern California strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.  Women and men, and members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

This position will be Exempt and On-Site.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 -$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.

Preferred Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous three years

Preferred Experience: 0-1 Years

Preferred Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, and analysis methods.

Percentage of Time: 100%

Fixed Term?   Yes

If Fixed Term (indicate dates):   Through 6/30/26

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous three 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. Strong background in cell and molecular biology is required. Preferred Education: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or equivalent biomedical science fields. Preferred Experience: Mouse genetics, molecular biology, and related biomedical science fields Preferred Field of Expertise: Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field.