Senior Research Associate

A Senior Research Associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Charleston Chiang at USC. The Chiang lab utilizes cutting-edge analytic tools to address questions at the intersection of human medical and population genetics. In particular, we have a strong interest in using genomic data to understand the evolution and architecture of complex traits and the history of diverse human populations. These insights will be critical for future medical genetics studies and in practicing personalized medicine. The successful candidate will be involved in research from multiple projects in the lab, and will have substantial input in the nature and the direction of the ongoing research projects within the lab. The ongoing research include learning about demographic history or natural selection from genetic variation data, or understanding genetic architecture and evolutionary history of complex traits in diverse populations. Opportunities are available for research projects covering both method development and analysis of large-scale genotyping and next-generation sequencing data in humans from diverse populations.

A Ph.D. in genetics, computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field is required. The candidate should have had at least 3 years of experience in conducting human genetics or population genetics research in Unix-based computing environment, 18 months of post-doctoral experience, and proficient in one or more programming languages (e.g. python, C++, R, etc.). The position expects a longer-term (> 2 yr) commitment, contingent upon sufficient progress on research projects. In addition to assisting and overseeing multiple ongoing projects in the lab, the successful candidate is expected to participate in training and mentoring students.

Start date is flexible throughout 2024 and 2025. A hybrid format with some level of working from home is possible. Permanent residency or citizenship of the United States is preferred, but not required. We are actively establishing a vibrant and respectful culture in the research group. See brief notes on how we are working towards this goal here: http://chianglab.usc.edu/resources.html

Interested candidate should submit a CV, short (1-2 pages) cover letter describing your research interests and fit within the lab, and contact information for 2-3 references. Reference letters are accepted, but not required at this stage. Informal inquiry can be directly submitted to Charleston Chiang at charleston.chiang@med.usc.edu.

The annual base salary range for this position is $72,738-$81,168. 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.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts.