Research Associate

Research Associate

Cancer Genomics * Organoid Biology * Tumor Microenvironment

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.

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.

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.

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 analytical skills.

• Serves as a research trainee for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies. Participates in planning, designing, and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of a supervisor.
• Identifies, researches, compiles, and evaluates data sources, background information, and/or technology related to the area of specialization.
• Analyzes and evaluates research data and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research.
• Searches the literature, utilizing available resources regarding new methodologies, and designs experiments accordingly.
• Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers, and records.
• Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory and scientific equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

This position offers the opportunity to work with human patient-derived models and clinically anchored datasets while gaining broad experience in modern cancer biology. Research Associate projects are designed to allow meaningful scientific ownership and contribution to publications and ongoing NIH-funded research programs.

Please apply through the USC Careers system and include a curriculum vitae and a brief description of your research experience and interests. Candidates are encouraged to review the Lin Laboratory website before applying: https://sites.usc.edu/linlab/

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The annual budgeted rate for this position is $75,000/year. 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.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.