Research Associate

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

48d•$70,745 - $70,745•Onsite

About The Position

A Research Associate position is available immediately in the Saito laboratory to study innate immunology against human pathogenic viruses and bacteria in the context of liver diseases. Our laboratory utilizes the tools of cell biology, virology, genetics, molecular biology, and systems biology. The ideal applicant will be a hardworking, creative, and highly self-motivated researcher interested in pathogen-host interaction, liver diseases, inflammation, and immunity. The candidate is expected to have significant experience in molecular biology, in vitro and in vivo experiments (mouse), biochemistry, protein assay (Western Blotting, Immunoprecipitation, gel analysis), nucleic acids (DNA and RNA such as cloning, PCR, RT-QPCR, RNA synthesis, transfection, extraction, gene overexpression/silencing), and microscopic analysis (immune fluorescent staining, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), light microscopy and image analysis and processing). The Research Associate’s primary responsibilities will be to develop, lead, and conduct highly technical research projects under the PI's guidance. It includes identifying the research question, design, and perform experiments, as well as the analysis of research data and provides interpretations. The applicant is expected to serve as a lead author for publication and conference presentation. The candidate must be fluent in the use of laboratory equipment, computer/research/office software to conduct analyses of experiment data. The candidate also contributes to the quality control of the laboratory, such as preparation of general experimental materials, maintenance of laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and animal protocols. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, references, and a list of any publications or accomplishments. The summary of Saito laboratory research can be found at: https://sites.usc.edu/saito-lab/

Requirements

Significant experience in molecular biology.
Experience in in vitro and in vivo experiments (mouse).
Experience in biochemistry.
Experience in protein assay (Western Blotting, Immunoprecipitation, gel analysis).
Experience in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA such as cloning, PCR, RT-QPCR, RNA synthesis, transfection, extraction, gene overexpression/silencing).
Experience in microscopic analysis (immune fluorescent staining, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), light microscopy and image analysis and processing).
Fluent in the use of laboratory equipment.
Fluent in computer/research/office software to conduct analyses of experiment data.
Minimum 1 year of directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate.

Nice To Haves

PhD or close to completing a PhD training in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or in a relevant field.
4-6 years in wet lab (including PhD training).
In vitro and in vivo experiments in the field of immunology (pathogen-host interactions), general cell biology, and biochemistry.

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and conduct highly technical research projects under the PI's guidance.
Identify the research question, design, and perform experiments.
Analyze research data and provide interpretations.
Serve as a lead author for publication and conference presentation.
Contribute to the quality control of the laboratory, such as preparation of general experimental materials, maintenance of laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and animal protocols.