Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

USCs Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a Postdoctoral/Research Associate. A newly established laboratory of Dr. Yao Wei Lu is recruiting two Postdoc Research Associates. Dr. Lus lab studies gene regulation that dictates cell fates and states in development and diseases. The Lu Lab is particularly interested in applying various cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to understand the post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular development, regeneration, and diseases. The position is for qualified candidates who wish to pursue a career in the basic and translational research of cardiovascular biology. Responsibilities and Duties Plans, designs, and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently. Conducting cellular and molecular experiments for hypothesis-driven research. Preparing presentations and publishing scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Responsible for teaching techniques to other lab members. Serves as a project liaison between the lab and their collaborators. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. Preferred Qualifications Highly motivated Ph.D. with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: cell/molecular/developmental biology, mouse genetics, human induced pluripotent stem cells, and related biomedical science fields are encouraged to apply. The candidate must also have enthusiasm, excellent critical thinking skills, a track record of productivity as demonstrated by at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication, an ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, and proficiency in written and oral English communication. Interested applicants could send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, a current CV with recent publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Yao Wei Lu at yaoweilu@usc.edu The University of Southern California strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. Women and men, and members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Rate Information: This position will be Exempt and On-Site. The salary range for this position is $70,000 -$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. Other Information: Preferred Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous three years Preferred Experience: 0-1 Years Preferred Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, and analysis methods. Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed Term? Yes If Fixed Term (indicate dates): Through 6/30/26 Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous three 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. Strong background in cell and molecular biology is required. Preferred Education: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or equivalent biomedical science fields. Preferred Experience: Mouse genetics, molecular biology, and related biomedical science fields Preferred Field of Expertise: Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field. 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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