The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology: https://gero.usc.edu.

The Lee Lab at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is inviting applications for a Research Assistant Professor of Gerontology (RTPC, non-tenure track) position.

The Lee lab lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive aging and age-related diseases, with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial biology and metabolic regulation. We explore how mitochondria influence systemic physiology through novel signaling pathways, including mitochondrial-encoded peptides, and how these pathways impact diseases such as Alzheimer’s, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation.

The ideal candidate is a passionate and driven scientist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced academic environment. A strong research background, outstanding writing skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team are essential.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct in vitro and in vivo studies on mitochondrial and metabolic regulation of aging and age-related diseases
• Collaborate with lab members and external research partners
• Author and co-author peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Prepare and submit grant applications as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field
• Demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Hands-on experience with both cell culture systems and mouse models

This is a full-time, on-campus position based in the Andrus Gerontology Center. Some travel may be required for conferences and training. The role is grant-funded and contingent on the continued availability of external funding.

If you are interested in joining our team and advancing the frontier of aging research, please submit your application, including a cover letter, CV, and references.

This is an exempt position with work expected to be fully on campus in the Andrus Gerontology Center from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during normal hours of operation and after hours and on weekends as needed. Some travel for training and conferences to maintain skills and knowledge is required.

The annual base salary for this position is $80,000 to $95,000 (salary commensurate with experience and qualifications). 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, and external market and organizational considerations.

This position is funded by research grants. Accordingly, this position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent grant to continue employment.

If you are interested, please submit your completed application and include a cover letter and resume with references. Thank you for your interest!