Job Description

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in clinical and translational addiction research. This position will play a central role in the conduct of clinical trials and human laboratory studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of candidate treatments for alcohol use disorder, tobacco use disorder, and cannabis use disorder. The fellow will contribute to various elements of these projects, including the design and implementation of randomized trials involving pharmacotherapy and/or behavioral interventions, the development of study protocols and regulatory materials, and the development of human laboratory protocols involving alcohol and/or nicotine administration or self-administration. A primary focus for this position will be clinical trials and other experimental studies investigating incretin-based therapies (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists) for substance use disorders. The fellow will also have opportunities for leadership roles in data analysis and manuscript writing, and will act in a leadership capacity for junior trainees. Training in grant writing can be incorporated as a component of the position. The fellow will have access to newly developed human laboratory research space (e.g., simulated bar, smoking rooms) for data collection for clinical and experimental studies, and will benefit from exposure to diverse scientific and collaborative opportunities through the USC Institute for Addiction Science () and numerous collaborating schools and departments across the University of Southern California.

Required qualifications for this position include a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., clinical psychology, experimental psychology, pharmacology, or neuroscience), at least two years of experience leading or co-leading research projects involving human subjects, and a strong record of research productivity based on publication history. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills are also essential for this position.

Preferred qualifications include prior experience with regulated clinical trials, experience carrying out human laboratory/psychopharmacology protocols, proficiency with electronic and remote data capture systems (e.g., ecological momentary assessment, REDCap) and prior experience working in a multidisciplinary team in medical and/or research settings. Experience with the development of regulatory and protocol materials to support clinical research studies (e.g., IRB applications, study protocols, SOPs) would be a particular asset. Strong quantitative skills would also be a highly valued asset for this position.

The annual base salary for this position is $70,000. 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.

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. 

The position term is for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years, with a start date between July, 2025 and August, 2026.

To apply, please send a cover letter/statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, and 3 representative publications or writing samples to Dr. Christian Hendershot, Director of Clinical Research, USC Institute for Addiction Science ( christian.hendershot@usc.edu ). Requests for additional details can also be submitted prior to applying. Applicants selected for an interview will also be asked to submit three letters of recommendation.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods. Preferred Field of Expertise: Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field. Skills: Other: Analysis Assessment/evaluation Communication -- written and oral skills Conceptualization and design Organization Planning Problem identification and resolution Project management Research Statistical analysis Skills: Machine/Equipment: Calculator Computer network (department or school) Computer network (university) Computer peripheral equipment Fax Personal computer Photocopier Supervises: Level: May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers. Comments: A copy of the doctoral diploma or other certification that indicates that the terminal degree has been completed satisfactorily is required. If the doctoral candidate has not yet obtained a degree, he/she should provide evidence that a thesis has been approved together with a documented indication of the expected date of formal graduation. It is the responsibility of the faculty mentor to verify this documentation. The documentation is to be filed with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

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Full time, Temporary work, Traineeship, Work experience placement, Casual work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work,

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