Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the Trojan Family, which is comprised of the faculty, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work. The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in the Quantitative and Computational Biology. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join Dr. Jazlyn Mooney in the Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, a program with roots dating back to 1982 and the work of Dr. Michael Waterman, co-developer of the SmithWaterman algorithm. The department has since grown into a leader in computational biology, with alumni advancing to top roles in both academia and industry. The labs research is focused on understanding how recessive genetic variation contributes to human disease risk and phenotypic diversity can be identified using shared segments of the genome that are inherited identically-by-descent. This NIH-funded project aims to develop and apply computational and statistical approaches to identify and characterize recessive variants, including rare and compound heterozygous variation, across diverse datasets and biological systems. The lab is particularly interested in uncovering genetic architectures that are not well captured by standard additive models. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work directly with Dr. Mooney to develop and apply methods for analyzing large-scale genomic data, including sequencing and biobank-scale datasets. Projects may involve integrating population genetics, statistical modeling, and functional annotation to better understand recessive effects on disease. The research is organism-agnostic and may leverage human datasets as well as non-model systems, depending on the candidates interests and expertise. The postdoc will also have opportunities to collaborate with investigators across USC and beyond. In this position, we are looking for a postdoctoral scholar with a strong interest in population genomics, statistical genetics, or related fields. The applicant must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent qualification) in genetics, genomics, biostatistics, computational biology, or a related discipline. Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., R, Python, C++), experience with genomic data types (VCF, PLINK, tree sequence etc.) and analysis tools, and familiarity with Unix-based computing environments are most desirable but not strictly required. Experience working with large-scale sequencing or biobank data is a plus. A strong interest in developing or applying methods to study non-additive and recessive genetic effects is highly encouraged. The ideal candidate will be motivated, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. The postdoctoral researcher will participate in the presentation of their research and the writing of publications. The position requires a highly motivated individual with excellent time management, written, and verbal communication skills. Salary range: The salary range for this position is $70,304$72,000. 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 candidates 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. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. Required Documents and Additional Information: Resume and cover letter (describing research interests and contact information for 3 references) required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents. Fixed term position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested. USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events. Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent qualification Minimum Experience: 01 year Preferred Field of Expertise: Population genetics, genomics, computational biology, or related fields 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. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USCs Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$145145.htmld USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. (If you already work for USC, see Your USC career.) At any point you may also contact our HR Service Center for help at (213) 821-8100 or uschr@usc.edu. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!