Senior Research Associate

The USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate, Senior position. The person in this position will lead in-vivo studies and support potency assay and therapeutic production activities. Additionally, the candidate will serve as the intravitreal (IVT) injection trainer for Good Laboratory Practice activities. The ideal person will be extensively trained and considered an expert in specialized ophthalmic experimental procedures for pre-clinical studies, including intravitreal injections (IVT), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Electroretinogram (ERG), Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and Histology. Importantly, the ideal candidate will independently lead project-specific data collection, analysis and reporting; attend, present at, and participate in weekly project and monthly institute laboratory meetings; lead relevant project reporting activities; and lead manuscript preparation and submission. This position also oversees volunteers, students and lab compliance as well as contributes to other institute research project and lab activities, as needed.

In addition to analytical problem solving and decision-making skills, the Research Associate, Senior is expected to maintain accurate experimental records. The individual must have excellent facility with computers.  The individual must be highly organized, and proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  The person must also proactively stay current on best-practices and seek out acquisition of new skills and techniques in the field.

Job Summary:

Serves as a senior researcher with expertise in field. Plans, designs and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with supervisor, which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. May contribute to the development of new concepts, techniques and standards. Analyzes research data and provides interpretations. Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records. Develops solutions to complex research problems. Provides leadership, direction and guidance to staff and/or student workers as needed.

Job Accountabilities include

• Serves as a senior researcher with expertise in field. Plans, designs and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with supervisor, which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. May contribute to the development of new concepts, techniques and standards. Exercises considerable latitude in determining research objectives and approaches.
• Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization.
• Analyzes and evaluates research data utilizing computers and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research. Searches literature, utilizing all available resources including electronic, regarding new methodology and designs experiments accordingly.
• Develops solutions to complex research problems, which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. Ensures solutions are consistent with research objectives.
• Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records.
• Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory/scientific equipment.
• Provides leadership, direction and guidance to staff and/or student workers regarding procedures, techniques and use of equipment as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Education:  MD or PhD

Preferred Field of Expertise: Ophthalmology

Applicant Attachments (Required):   Application/Resume

Applicant Attachments (Optional):  Cover Letter

Work Location: HC4 (Estelle Doheny Eye Institute)

Percentage of Time: 100% (Full Time); 37.5 hours/week

The salary rate range for this position is $90.000. 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.

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.