Research Associate

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

Seeking a Research Associate in Neurological Disease Research with Experience Generating Human Stem Cell-Derived Brain Organoids

The Morton Lab at the University of Southern California (USC) seeks a highly motivated Research Associate to join our cutting-edge research team. Our lab focuses on RNA-mediated neurodevelopmental disorders and utilizes Drosophila and hiPSC-derived brain organoids to model such disorders. We emphasize understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying CNS disease.

Exciting New Collaboration: We are excited to announce a new project in collaboration with Dr. Kafui Dzirasa at Duke University. We seek a talented researcher to develop and lead a project on editing cerebellar microcircuits in hiPSC-derived cerebellar organoids. All research will be performed at USC in Los Angeles, CA.

Funding Sources: NINDS, NIMH, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will generate and characterize human brain organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and utilize these models to study molecular and cellular biology. The role involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams within USC and external collaborators, employing advanced techniques such as confocal imaging, electrophysiological analysis, and functional imaging.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and optimize cell culture techniques specific to brain organoid research, MEA recordings, and functional imaging
• Conduct advanced electrophysiological recordings and analyses on brain organoids
• Application of cutting-edge spatial and single-cell omics techniques to study cellular interactions within organoids.
• Collaboration with other research labs and participation in multidisciplinary projects within the broader USC research community.
• Contribution to the preparation of research publications and grant applications.
• Provide exceptional training to junior students.

Candidate Qualifications:

Looking for candidates who have:

• A PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Proven experience in human stem cell research, focusing on iPSC-derived neuronal differentiations.
• Expertise in neurobiology, with a preference for candidates with experience in brain organoid models
• Experience in advanced imaging techniques, electrophysiological analysis and functional imaging, and molecular biological techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with bioinformatics are a plus.
• A team player, self-motivated, creative, enthusiastic about team projects, excellent communication skills.

Salary range: The annual base salary range for this position is $66,902 - $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. 

The Morton Lab values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable research environment. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to supporting the professional growth of all lab members.

This is a grant funded position.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• A CV or NIH Biosketch
• Brief statement of research interests and career goals
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.