Research Associate

A Research Associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Charleston Chiang at USC. The Chiang lab utilizes cutting-edge analytic tools to address questions at the intersection of human medical and population genetics. In particular, we have a strong interest in using genomic data to understand the evolution and architecture of complex traits and the history of diverse human populations. These insights will be critical for future medical genetics studies and in practicing personalized medicine. The successful candidate will have substantial input in the nature and the direction of the ongoing research projects within the lab and will be encouraged to explore projects that broadly fit within the lab’s research interests and funded R35 and R01 grants. These goals include learning about demographic history or natural selection from genetic variation data, or understanding genetic architecture and evolutionary history of complex traits in diverse populations. Opportunities are available for both method development as well as analysis of large-scale genotyping, next-generation sequencing, and multi-omic data in humans from diverse populations. 

The ongoing projects include those funded through multiple sources, and could include future funded projects or other projects conducted utilizing unrestricted funds:

(1) R01: on the genetic history, statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology of metabolic traits of Pacific Island populations. Will have access to newly generated whole genome sequencing data and genome-wide array data.

(2) R01: on method development for statistical and population genetic applications based on the ancestral recombination graph (e.g. Tang and Chiang, AJHG 2025 or Fan et al. Nat Genet 2025).

(3) R35: broadly on the consequence of natural selection and demography on evolution of human traits, including expanding the framework to other population datasets such as Taiwan Biobank.

The candidate will also have access to data from Multiethnic Cohort (https://uhcancercenter.org/mec) and major biobanks, including new GWAS, WGS, and metabolomic data being generated.

A Ph.D. in genetics, computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field is required. The candidate should have had experience in conducting human genetics or population genetics research in Unix-based computing environment. contingent upon sufficient progress on research projects. In addition to assisting and overseeing multiple ongoing projects in the lab, the successful candidate is expected to participate in training and mentoring students. The successful candidate is expected to be based in Southern California, but some level of working from home is possible. We are actively establishing a vibrant and respectful culture in the research group. See brief notes on how we are working towards this goal here: http://chianglab.usc.edu/resources.html

Interested candidate should submit a CV, short (1-2 pages) cover letter describing your research interests and fit within the lab, and contact information for 2-3 references. Reference letters are accepted, but not required at this stage. Informal inquiry can be directly submitted to Charleston Chiang at [email protected].

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,745.28 - $88,974.71. 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.

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.

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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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