Postdoctoral Research Associate

usc/externalusccareers

Los Angeles, CA - University Park Campus

Posted Sep 11, 2026

Full-time

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Job description

The USC Neural Modeling and Interface Lab () directed by Prof. Dong Song seek a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar for a leading role in developing and testing cortical interfaces and prostheses in behaving animals. The goal of Song lab is to develop brain-like devices that can mimic and restore cognitive functions. To pursue this goal, we use a combined experimental and computational strategy to (1) understand how nervous systems such as the hippocampus perform higher-order cognitive functions, (2) develop next-generation modeling and neural interface methodologies to investigate brain functions during naturalistic behaviors, and (3) build cortical prostheses that can restore cognitive functions lost in diseases or injuries. The position is with the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA. The Viterbi School is one of the top schools of engineering in the United States. USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities and the oldest private research university in California. This is a 12 month, fixed-term position with the possibility of additional years conditional upon performance and funding availability. Postdoctoral scholars receive a comprehensive benefits packaging including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, among many other benefits. Candidates should have the following qualifications: (1) PhD from a top university with demonstrated research activity in neuroscience or neural engineering; (2) prior research experience in electrophysiological recording from behaving animals. Prior research experience in computational neuroscience is highly preferred; (3) excellent communication skills that can be demonstrated through their research publications and presentations. Specific responsibilities include: • Design and perform electrophysiological and behavioral experiments in rodents • Design and test multi-electrode arrays for behaving animal recording and stimulation • Mentor and train junior team members • Create technical reports, presentations, and documentation associated with the research and meetings. Publish research articles in peer-reviewed conferences and journals and present at conferences The annual base salary range for this position is $65,500 - $72,200. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of 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. Review of applications will be immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a CV and the names and contact information of three professional references as a single pdf file attachment to: Dong Song, Ph.D. Director, USC Neural Modeling and Interface Lab Research Associate Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Neuroscience Graduate Program University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-1451 E-mail: . USC is a smoke-free environment USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will con sider 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 . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Plan Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination USC is an E-Verify Employer Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: