Research Associate

Keck Medicine of USC • Los Angeles, CA

8d • $70,745 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI), Dr. Lily Dara. This NIH-funded postdoctoral position will investigate immune-mediated liver injury, cholestasis, and mechanisms of liver injury, cell death, and hepatotoxicity. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with expertise in immunology, translational biology, organoid systems, and preferably computational analysis of large-scale datasets to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on clinically relevant liver disease. The project will focus on defining molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating innate and adaptive immune responses in the liver, with emphasis on immune cell, cholangiocyte, and hepatocyte interactions, inflammatory signaling pathways, and mechanisms of tissue injury and repair. Candidates with experience in human organoid models, single-cell and spatial omics, systems immunology, or integrative analysis of high-dimensional datasets are particularly encouraged to apply. The laboratory combines translational patient-based research with mechanistic studies using advanced experimental and computational approaches, including: Human liver organoid and ex vivo model systems, Mouse organoid model systems, Syngeneic tumor models, Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics, Multi-omics integration and bioinformatics, Advanced immunophenotyping and flow cytometry, CRISPR-based functional genomics, Translational studies involving patient-derived biospecimens. Applicants should demonstrate strong scientific curiosity, independence, and collaborative skills. Experience with R/Python, machine learning approaches, biostatistics, or large clinical/immunologic datasets is highly desirable. Candidates with backgrounds spanning immunology, hepatology, systems biology, computational biology, bioengineering, or translational medicine are encouraged to apply. The laboratory is located in the Hoffman Medical Research Building at the University of Southern California (USC), with access to outstanding interdisciplinary research resources, including genomics, single-cell, imaging, and computational cores. USC provides a vibrant academic environment with strong collaborations across medicine, engineering, and data science.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate
• 1 year of directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.
• Expertise in immunology, translational biology, organoid systems.
• Strong scientific curiosity, independence, and collaborative skills.

Nice To Haves

• Computational analysis of large-scale datasets
• Experience in human organoid models, single-cell and spatial omics, systems immunology, or integrative analysis of high-dimensional datasets
• Experience with R/Python, machine learning approaches, biostatistics, or large clinical/immunologic datasets
• Backgrounds spanning immunology, hepatology, systems biology, computational biology, bioengineering, or translational medicine

Responsibilities

• Investigate immune-mediated liver injury, cholestasis, and mechanisms of liver injury, cell death, and hepatotoxicity.
• Define molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating innate and adaptive immune responses in the liver, with emphasis on immune cell, cholangiocyte, and hepatocyte interactions, inflammatory signaling pathways, and mechanisms of tissue injury and repair.

Benefits

• Access to outstanding interdisciplinary research resources, including genomics, single-cell, imaging, and computational cores.
• Vibrant academic environment with strong collaborations across medicine, engineering, and data science.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree