Research Associate, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

Job Summary

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, is seeking a Research Associate (RA). This position is available immediately in the Saito laboratory to study hepatic cell biology, hepatic inflammation, and innate antiviral immunology. Our laboratory utilizes the state‑of‑the‑art humanized liver chimeric mouse model in addition to tools of cell biology, virology, genetics, molecular biology and systems biology.

The summary of Saito laboratory research can be found at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The ideal applicant is a hardworking, creative, and highly self‑motivated researcher interested in pathogen‑host interaction, liver diseases, inflammation, and immunity.

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate
• At least 1 year of relevant experience
• Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods
• 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 over-expression/silencing), and microscopic analysis (immune fluorescent staining, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy and image analysis and processing)
• Fluency in laboratory equipment, computer/research/office software for data analysis

• Develop, lead, and conduct highly technical research projects under the PI's guidance, including identification of research questions, experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation
• Serve as lead author for publications and conference presentations
• Contribute to laboratory QC, including preparation of general experimental materials, maintenance of laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and animal protocols

• Employment type:
  
  Exempt, On‑Site
• Salary range: $70,745.28–$94,988.00 per year (considerations based on scope, experience, education, skills, equity, laws, funding, and market factors)

Job REQ

Posted Date 01/23/2026