University of Southern California Careers – Research Scientist (Staff)

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly experienced Postdoctoral Scientist/Fellow or Staff Scientist (Computational Biology) to join the Tran group and the Computational Genomics Core of the Keck USC Brain Cancer Center. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can significantly speed up understanding cancer biology, improve patient treatment and survival. We focus on developing applications of AI/ML and Deep Learning (DL) in elucidating molecular mechanisms of cancer development, therapeutic resistance, multi-omics disease modeling, and survival outcome modeling as dependence on treatment. We apply network analysis and AI/ML to bulk RNA seq, single-cell RNA data, and other multi-omics data, including DL-based imaging and bioimaging data.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in applications of ML/AI in solving biological problems. Strong expertise in advanced statistics and AI/ML with a track record of publications is preferred. The candidate will analyze and develop models of cancer development and patient survival single cell RNA seq, multi-omics NGS as well as clinical and biomedical data generated by the Brain Tumor Center labs as well from public repositories. The candidate will constantly update recent developments in computational biology and state-of-the-art of AI/ML/DL algorithms and research results.

• A PhD in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering Sciences or relevant fields.
• 3+ years of experience with a strong record of accomplishments and project experience in applications of AI/ML in biological systems.
• A strong background and/or prior hands-on experience in experimental biology is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in working with NGS data and/or single cell RNA seq data.
• Familiarity with advanced statistics, machine learning, and deep learning.
• Proficiency in Python with R.
• Familiarity with Linux command, HPC or cloud computing.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• The ability to learn new algorithms.
• The ability to collaborate with biomedical scientists.

Salary range

• The annual base salary range for this position is $100,973.00 – 117,597.00 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.

How To Apply

The position is for 3 years with the possibility for extension. We provide competitive salary and benefits. Compensation will be based on the NIH guidelines with cost-of-living adjustments and commensurate with experience). To apply, please send an email to Dr. Tran ([email protected]) with a current CV and contacts for 3 references, and a brief description of training background and career plans.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts. Demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in appropriate academic and practitioner outlets. Demonstrated independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing according to such criteria as: first authored publications, conceptual leadership in the development of publications generated alone or with others, writing of first drafts of publications and/or single authored publications.