The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the city's largest private employer. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology 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: https://gero.usc.edu

The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology seeks a reliable and self-motivated individual to join the Sanabria Lab. The Sanabria Lab at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology investigates the intersection of stress responses and aging, utilizing genetic, molecular, and cell biology techniques in Caenorhabditis elegans, tardigrades, animal models, and mammalian cell cultures. A central focus of the lab is the actin cytoskeleton, which provides structural support to cells and is involved in intracellular trafficking and cell division. The lab aims to define actin cytoskeletal dysfunction as a novel biological hallmark of aging. Their research has demonstrated that the actin cytoskeleton deteriorates during natural aging; experimentally disrupting it can cause premature aging, and protecting it can promote longevity. They translate these studies into other model systems, including Drosophila, rodents, and non-human primates. Additionally, the lab explores how stress responses dedicated to protecting distinct organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, deteriorate during aging. They investigate the potential to hijack these stress responses to promote lifespan and study the overlap and cross-communication among these responses. By mapping the complex intercommunication of organelle homeostasis, the Sanabria Lab seeks to understand how stress response pathways break down during aging and how enhancing these responses could mitigate age-related cellular decline.

The Research Associate will perform independent research in the laboratory, including synthesis and design of new research projects, carrying out independent experiments, and managing several students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Primary Responsibilities:

Perform experiments to understand the mechanisms by which the cytoskeleton changes during stress and aging and how this impacts numerous metrics of health, including organelle function, organismal health, and longevity.Work with multiple model systems, including C. elegans, tardigrades, and mammalian cell culture (primary, iPSC, cancer, senescence, etc.).Assist with data generation and analysis in related research projects.Contribute to various research projects in the laboratory and through external collaborations.Design and perform independent research, including acquiring funding to support this research.Manage and maintain a team of 3-5 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have training in experimental molecular and cellular biology and genetics with a minimum of a Ph.D. + 2 years of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent. Previous experience with C. elegans and mammalian cell culture (primary and immortalized) is essential. It is highly desirable if additional model organism work, including experience with African Turquoise Killifish or tardigrade model systems. The successful candidate should have a strong training record, the ability to learn and work independently, and the capability to collaborate effectively with trainees and staff within the lab. Knowledge and experience in higher education are preferred. Must have experience training and mentoring students, particularly those from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds with little to no research experience. Specific skillsets in microscopy (compound and confocal at a minimum), computational analysis (RNA-seq, metabolomics, lipidomic, etc.), molecular biology and genetics (PCR, molecular cloning, genotyping, qPCR), and biochemistry (western blotting, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling) are all essential for the success of the candidate.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Plan and conduct highly technical and complex research projects, procedures, and analyses in collaboration with the PI and other lab members.Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adapt existing protocols to the model.Contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.Basic laboratory maintenance.Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.\Apply for and acquire grant funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree with 2 years of research experience at the postdoctoral level.Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology and microscopy experimentation.Experience working in the higher education field is ideal.

This is a full-time position with work expected fully on campus. The work schedule would be M-F (usual hours of operation with flexibility as needed; some after-hours and weekends may be required). Benefits include a competitive salary and a rich array of USC benefits, including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more.

This position is funded by a research contract/grant and may be supported by a subsequent contract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment.

The salary range for this position is 72,800 - 75,712. 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.

Join us and contribute to pioneering research in aging and age-related diseases.

If you are interested, please submit your completed application, including a cover letter and resume with contact information for three references.

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. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring 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 uschr@usc.edu.  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Minimum Education: PhD Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Previous directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.