Research Associate

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

35d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lin Laboratory at USC studies the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development, progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic response, with a particular focus on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and other upper aerodigestive cancers. Our research integrates cancer genomics and epigenomics with functional biology, patient-derived organoid models, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and tumor immunology. A major strength of the laboratory is the development and application of human organoid models. We use patient-derived tumor organoids and genetically defined organoid systems to reconstruct early malignant transformation, investigate genotype-to-phenotype relationships, model tumor-microenvironment interactions, and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. These models are integrated with clinical specimens and multi-omic datasets to address biologically and clinically relevant questions. The laboratory is embedded within the USC Head and Neck Center and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing a highly collaborative environment with access to clinicians, patient specimens, advanced genomic technologies, and multidisciplinary expertise. Recent work from the laboratory has included studies of patient-derived HNSCC organoids, tumor immunity, epigenetic regulation, spatial tumor architecture, and mechanisms of metastasis and therapeutic response. We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join the Lin Laboratory and contribute to NIH-funded studies of cancer biology. The successful candidate will participate in multidisciplinary projects spanning organoid biology, molecular and cellular biology, cancer genomics, tumor immunology, and functional studies of therapeutic response. This position is particularly well suited for a scientist who wants to work at the interface of experimental and translational cancer research. Depending on experience and interests, projects may involve patient-derived organoid culture and characterization, molecular perturbation, drug-response studies, tumor-immune co-culture, flow cytometry, histology and imaging, and integration of experimental data with single-cell or spatial genomic analyses.

Requirements

PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics/genomics, immunology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.

Nice To Haves

Mammalian cell culture, primary cells, or organoid culture
Molecular and cellular biology, including RNA/DNA analysis, western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, or related methods
Cancer biology, tumor immunology, or functional studies of therapeutic response
Flow cytometry, microscopy, histology, or quantitative image analysis
Genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell or spatial data analysis, or quantitative biology
Intellectually curious, careful in experimental design and data interpretation, able to work independently while collaborating effectively with others, and interested in developing new experimental and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

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.
Identifies, researches, compiles, and evaluates data sources, background information, and/or technology related to the area of specialization.
Analyzes and evaluates research data and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research.
Searches the literature, utilizing available resources regarding new methodologies, and designs experiments accordingly.
Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers, and records.
Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory and scientific equipment.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.