Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral research position at USC in human medical population genetics

A postdoctoral research position is available in the lab of Dr. Charleston Chiang in the Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (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 and next-generation sequencing data in humans from diverse populations. Additional information about our lab and research can be found at: http://chianglab.usc.edu.

The Chiang Lab is affiliated with the Departments of Population and Public Health Sciences, which is one of thenation’s leading research programs in epidemiology and biostatistics, with expertise in genetics research in diverse populations. The Chiang Lab is also jointly affiliated with the Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology at USC, which provide key technological, methodological and statistical interactions for genetics research. Together, these Departments offer exceptional resources and collaborative opportunities for postdoctoral fellows. We work closely with research groups focusing on genetic epidemiology, statistical and functional genomics, and population genetics.

Funding is available for at least 2 years. Position is renewable annually after 2 years contingent upon satisfactory progress. Due to the pandemic, some level of working from home is negotiable. Salary will be competitive, starting at above the current NIH postdoctoral scale (greater than $67K per year), commensurate with experience and expertise. The University of Southern California offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short and long term disability insurance.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in genetics, computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field. Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g. python, perl, C++, R, etc.) and in Unix-based computing environment is essential. Experience in conducting human genetics or population genetics research and analyzing large genetic datasets is a plus, but not required. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, but those received by December 1st, 2022 will receive full consideration. Position will remain open until filled. The position is expected to start in Spring or Summer 2023, though specific dates are negotiable. Interested candidates 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 inquiries are welcomed and can be addressed to Dr. Charleston Chiang at [email protected] .

The annual base salary range for this position is $64,480- $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.

Job Description Summary Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.