Research Scientist

This position is located in San Diego, CA.  The Neuroscience Translational Research Division (NTRD) is looking for a full time Research Scientist to support the Translational Research Division. Under supervision of the Research Director, incumbent will perform a variety of laboratory procedures involving protein chemistry and molecular biology.  Incumbent will utilize research skills while working both independently and as a reliable team member.

Responsibilities Overview:

• Serves as a key research scientist who is recognized as a national authority on topics of dementia and cognitive impairment. Plans, designs, and conducts highly specialized, technical, and unusually complex research projects independently. Works under consultative direction from supervisor toward long-range goals and objectives. Exercises considerable latitude in determining research objectives and approaches. May contribute to the development of advanced concepts, techniques, and standards.
• Identify, research, compile, and evaluate data sources, background information and/or technology related to dementia and cognitive impairment. Analyze and evaluate research data utilizing computers and provide interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research.
• Searches literature, utilizing all available resources including electronic systems, regarding new methodology and designs experiments accordingly.
• Provides general lab support to meet the goals and objectives for the Translational Research Division. Complies with quality control policies and procedures, such as Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) regulations.
• Critical skills: Attention to detail and accuracy.  Self-directed and resourceful; able to troubleshoot both technically and intellectually while understanding relevant scientific, molecular, and technical disciplines.  Strong oral and written communication skills.

Minimum Experience:

• Doctor of Philosophy in a relevant life sciences field.
• Five years of previous laboratory experience. Experience in analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Preferred Experience:

• Seven years of previous laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in appropriate academic and practitioner outlets.

Location:  San Diego, CA

The annual salary range for this position is $98,836.15 - $141,053.11. 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: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts. Demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in appropriate academic and practitioner outlets. Demonstrated independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing according to such criteria as: first authored publications, conceptual leadership in the development of publications generated alone or with others, writing of first drafts of publications and/or single authored publications.