Senior Research Associate
- Pay
- $76,675 – $90,000 per year
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Listed
- 6 days ago
About the role
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 have substantial input in the nature and the direction of the ongoing research projects within the lab and will be encouraged to explore projects that broadly fit within the lab’s research interests and funded R35 and R01 grants.
These goals 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 both method development as well as analysis of large-scale genotyping, next-generation sequencing, and multi-omic 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.
The successful candidate is expected to be based in the greater Los Angeles area (encompassing Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura county; within daily commute distance from campus), but some level of working from home is possible. We are actively establishing a vibrant and respectful culture in the research group.
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.
The annual base salary range for this position is $76,675.67 - $90,000, commensurate with prior experience and relevant expertise. 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.
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Additional information
If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
Equal opportunity and legal notices
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.
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 D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at, or by email at. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
From USC's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 4, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Senior Research Associate role at USC?
The Senior Research Associate posting at USC states compensation of $76,675 – $90,000 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on USC's official career site.
Where is the Senior Research Associate job at USC located?
This Senior Research Associate position at USC is located in Los Angeles, CA. Always check USC's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the Senior Research Associate position at USC?
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