Postdoctoral Scholar for Molecular Basis of Human Aging

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Davis School has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology.

The laboratory of Dr. Marc Vermulst is interested in hiring 2 highly motivated, talented post-docs to support its efforts in understanding the molecular basis of human aging. The successful applicant will be responsible for one of two projects. One project focuses on the generation of massively parallel sequencing libraries to probe the fidelity of transcription, and to determine the impact of transcription errors on the lifespan and healthspan of multicellular organisms. These experiments will initially focus on the impact of transcription errors on proteostasis in worms and mice, but it is expected that the successful applicant will ultimately steer this project into exciting new directions to acquire independent funding.

The second project probes the role of mtDNA mutations in human aging and disease. The successful applicant will be responsible for the maintenance of two novel mouse models of mtDNA disease and a detailed set of experiments that will determine how mitochondrial genetics and mutations affect murine physiology. For both projects, an extensive background in mutation research or DNA repair is highly desirable.

The research environment in the Vermulst laboratory is highly collaborative, provides a broad platform for scientific development and encompasses numerous biological disciplines. As a result, it is an excellent incubator for the growth of new ideas. Please note that a desire to learn, good communication skills, and a willingness to work with others, is required to be successful in this research environment.

A PhD or equivalent doctorate (received within the previous five years) is required. Only applicants with degrees in related fields will be considered. Self-motivation and a strong interest in building an outstanding publication record is essential.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

Please submit your application at: https://usc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalUSCCareers/job/Los-Angeles-CA---University-Park-Campus/Postdoctoral-Scholar-Research-Associate_REQ20064534 

Please send a resume, contact information for 3 letters of recommendation, and a description of your expertise with your application.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years
Minimum Experience: 0-1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.