Research Associate, Genetics ​/ Genomics, Research Scientist

Research Associate Cancer Genomics
• Organoid Biology
• Tumor Microenvironment About the Lin Laboratory 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.

Position 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.

Research Environment The Lin Laboratory is part of a highly collaborative research community on the USC Health Sciences Campus. The laboratory works closely with investigators in the USC Head and Neck Center, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and collaborating institutions. Team members have opportunities to develop expertise across experimental and computational approaches and to contribute to projects that connect fundamental mechanisms of cancer with patient-derived models and clinical questions.

Qualifications Candidates should have a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics/genomics, immunology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a related field.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
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

Strong candidates will be 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…