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Research Scientist

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Los Angeles, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/15/2026

The University of Southern California is seeking a dynamic and skilled Full-time Research Scientist to join our cutting-edge research team. In this role, you'll be at the forefront of scientific discovery, providing essential laboratory support and contributing to groundbreaking research projects.

About USC Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB): CCMB is a research laboratory located on the Health Sciences Campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Part of the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, CCMB is funded through numerous federal and organization-sponsored research grants. Many of these grants are from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, supporting basic research into the developmental, biochemical, and molecular biological aspects of human development, with a special emphasis on craniofacial structures in both health and disease. Working together, we are advancing oral, dental, and craniofacial research to solve problems in health and promote the well-being of society.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

  • Innovative Environment: Work in a state-of-the-art lab that fosters creativity and innovation.
  • Professional Growth: Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence and collaboration.
  • Impactful Work: Contribute to research that makes a difference in the world.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serves as a key research scientist who is recognized as a national authority on topics in specialized field. Acts more independently and with a greater degree of freedom than senior research associate. Plans, designs and conducts highly specialized, technical and unusually complex research projects independently. Works under consultative direction from supervisor toward long-range goals and objectives. Exercises considerable latitude in determining research objectives and approaches. May contribute to the development of advanced concepts, techniques and standards.
  • Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization.
  • Analyzes and evaluates research data utilizing computers and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research. Searches literature, utilizing all available resources including electronic, regarding new methodology and designs experiments accordingly.
  • Develops solutions to wide-range of research problems of unusual complexity, which require a high degree of ingenuity, creativity and innovativeness. Creates or modifies methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Ensures solutions are consistent with research objectives.
  • Develops research documentation for publication alone or with others and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records that show independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing.
  • Provides leadership, direction and guidance to staff and/or student workers regarding procedures, techniques and use of equipment as needed.
  • Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory/scientific equipment.

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000. 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.

The Trojan Family Rewards:

Discover the power of your USC employment with our comprehensive benefits and perks package! At USC, we prioritize the well-being of our faculty and staff, offering a diverse range of benefits designed to protect your health, wealth, and future. From robust healthcare coverage to retirement planning resources, our benefits are an essential part of your total rewards package. Explore the full spectrum of benefits and perks available to you at USC Benefits and Perks and unlock the true value of your USC employment today!

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. 


Minimum Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Skills: 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 established criteria (e.g., 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).

Salary : $85,000 - $100,000

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