Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

The USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (INI, www.ini.usc.edu ) are world leaders in the development of advanced computational and scientific approaches for the comprehensive mapping of brain structure and function. LONI’s unique multidisciplinary environment and cutting edge resources allow for integration of clinical, psychological and genotypic information with neuroimaging phenotypes for research questions in neurology, psychiatry and developmental neurobiology.

The Bienkowski Lab at the USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute is focused on understanding the multiscale organization of the brain in health and disease. The lab uses cutting-edge technology (3D microscopy imaging and spatial transcriptomics) to investigate genetic, anatomical, and functional features of neuronal cell types in both rodent and human brain tissue. Our goal is to develop innovative tools and resources to help scientists better translate laboratory research into applied clinical treatments. 

We are looking to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar – Research Associate to investigate characteristics of neuronal cell types and how they are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. The Postdoctoral Scholar – Research Associate will perform MERFISH spatial transcriptomics experiments using the lab’s state-of-the-art MERSCOPE platform in mouse and post-mortem human tissue samples. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the analysis of single-cell transcriptomic datasets and is eager to learn and develop new spatial transcriptomics approach to their research. This position is partially supported by a NIH-funded T32 postdoctoral training fellowship for Training for the Multiscale and Multimodal Analysis of Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease (T32 AG058507).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum Education: PHD
• Field of Expertise: transcriptomics, brain cell types, Alzheimer’s disease
• Skills:
  • Analysis Assessment/evaluation
  • Communication -- written and oral skills
  • Organization Planning
  • Project management
  • Research
  • Strong computer/software skills

The annual base salary range for this position is $62,400 - $67,000. 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: PhD or equivalent doctorate within previous three years Minimum experience: 0-1 year. Analysis, assessment/evaluation, communication - written and oral skills, organization, planning, problem identification and resolution, project management, research Minimum field of expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.