The laboratory of Dr. Jeannie Chen at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to study phototransduction in rod and cone photoreceptors and the mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration and blindness. This NIH-funded laboratory uses rodent models and cell culture to investigate photoreceptor function, calcium signaling, inherited retinal diseases, GPCR biology, and protein misfolding and aggregation.

The successful candidate will develop and conduct independent research projects under the PI’s guidance, including designing and performing experiments and analyzing and interpreting data. Responsibilities also include presenting research findings, taking a leading role in writing manuscripts for publication, contributing to grant proposals, and supporting laboratory quality control, safety standards, and animal protocols.  

The ideal candidate will be a creative and self-motivated researcher with experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR or qRT-PCR, Western blotting and protein analysis, retinal tissue preparation under light- and dark-adapted conditions, in vitro and in vivo experiments (mouse), cell culture, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), calcium imaging, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and image analysis. Experience in photoreceptor biology, phototransduction, calcium signaling, retinal degeneration, protein trafficking, or protein misfolding is particularly valuable. The candidate should work well in a collaborative environment and may have opportunities to mentor junior laboratory members. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, vision science, or a related field. 

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,695.67 - $75,000. 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.

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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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