Postdoctoral scholars at the Schaeffer Center collaborate with our outstanding USC faculty on research to advance the Center’s mission and the career of the scholar.   Each scholar works closely with a primary mentor.  Protected time to finish outside projects is often available.  Prior fellows have gone on to positions in government, nonprofits, industry and academia, including the University of Southern California. The application process is highly competitive and will emphasize research potential. 

Postdoctoral Scholars have been mentored by Jennifer Ailshire, Wandi Bruine de Bruin, Ritika Chaturvedi, Eileen Crimmins, Dana Goldman, Mireille Jacobson, Geoffrey Joyce, Daniel McFadden, Dima Qato, Rema Raman, Rosalie Pacula, John Romley, Victoria Shier, Erin Trish, Bryan Tysinger and Julie Zissimopoulos.

Serves as a research trainee for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies. Participates in planning, designing and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of a supervisor. May or may not work independently.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics is to measurably improve value in health through evidence based policy solutions, research excellence, transformative education, and private and public sector engagement. With its extraordinary breadth and depth of expertise, the Schaeffer Center will have a vital impact on the transformation of healthcare. The Schaeffer Center is the result of a unique collaboration between the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and School of Pharmacy. The Schaeffer Center is codirected by Dr. Dana Goldman and Dr. Erin Trish. Dr. Erin Duffy is the director of the Schaeffer Center’s research training.

Eligibility Criteria:

Scholars who have completed a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline such as economics, public policy, health policy, statistics, medicine, and psychology, are invited to apply. Scholars may be recent graduates or may have several years of research experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in a relevant discipline within previous five years

• Experience: 0-1 year

• Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.

Preferred Candidate Profile:

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field.

Compensation and Duration:

The annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000. 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.

The fellowship provides a competitive stipend and other benefits for a 12-month fixed term, which may be renewed up to a maximum of two years. Hybrid work arrangement.

Application Process:

Please upload CV, cover letter, writing sample, one-page statement of research interest, list of references and contact information as a single combined PDF file. Python code samples may be requested during the interview process.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be considered as they are received until the position(s) is filled.

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance:

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.  

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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 

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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated s confidential to the extent permitted by law.