Research Associate
The University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · $75k a year · Posted November 7, 2026
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November 2026
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Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $75,000 a year. Across 41 open research associate listings that state pay, the middle half runs $63,000 to $95,000 and the median is $75,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings and at the median.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among life, physical, and social science technicians, all other is little observed so far. Measured exposure for life, physical, and social science technicians, all other: 10% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
The University of Southern California has filed 10 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 65 workers, most recently September 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
A Research Associate position is available immediately in the Saito laboratory to study innate immunology against human pathogenic viruses and bacteria in the context of liver diseases. Our laboratory utilizes the tools of cell biology, virology, genetics, molecular biology, and systems biology. The ideal applicant will be a hardworking, creative, and highly self-motivated researcher interested in pathogen-host interaction, liver diseases, inflammation, and immunity. The candidate is expected to have significant experience in molecular biology, in vitro and in vivo experiments (mouse), biochemistry, protein assay (Western Blotting, Immunoprecipitation, gel analysis), nucleic acids (DNA and RNA such as cloning, PCR, RT-QPCR, RNA synthesis, transfection, extraction, gene overexpression/silencing), and microscopic analysis (immune fluorescent staining, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), light microscopy and image analysis and processing).
The Research Associate’s primary responsibilities will be to develop, lead, and conduct highly technical research projects under the PI's guidance. It includes identifying the research question, design, and perform experiments, as well as the analysis of research data and provides interpretations. The applicant is expected to serve as a lead author for publication and conference presentation. The candidate must be fluent in the use of laboratory equipment, computer/research/office software to conduct analyses of experiment data. The candidate also contributes to the quality control of the laboratory, such as preparation of general experimental materials, maintenance of laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and animal protocols. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, references, and a list of any publications or accomplishments.
The summary of Saito laboratory research can be found at: https://sites.usc.edu/saito-lab/
Salary Range:
The annual range for this position is $ 70,745.28 . 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.
Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.
USC is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 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.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a 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.
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