University of Southern California Postdoctoral Fellowships: 5 Exciting Opportunities for PhD Graduates

Securing a University of Southern California postdoctoral fellowship is a powerful next step for scholars who want to strengthen their research profile after completing a PhD. The University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, is currently offering multiple postdoctoral opportunities across diverse academic and scientific disciplines. These positions are designed to support innovative research, professional development, and long-term academic career growth.

If you are seeking a well-funded postdoctoral position in a globally recognized institution, these openings present a valuable platform to expand your expertise and contribute to impactful projects.

Why Choose a USC Postdoctoral Fellowship?

A postdoctoral fellowship at USC offers much more than a short-term research role. It provides access to world-class laboratories, advanced research tools, collaborative networks, and expert mentorship. Fellows often gain experience in:

• Grant-funded research projects
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• High-impact academic publishing
• Conference presentations and academic networking
• Teaching and leadership development

These positions are ideal for candidates who aim to pursue careers in academia, industry research, or policy-oriented institutions.

1. Education, Aging, and Social Environment Research

USC is recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to support a large, externally funded research project focused on understanding how education relates to cognitive health later in life. The study examines how factors such as country, gender, and birth cohort influence the relationship between education and age-related cognitive decline.

Key highlights:

• Two-year research appointment
• Involvement in an international research consortium
• Strong focus on social and educational inequality
• Opportunity to work with large cross-national datasets
• Ideal for candidates with interests in social sciences, public health, or psychology

This role will help researchers gain experience in comparative policy analysis and advanced data interpretation related to aging populations.

2. Cancer and Genetic Epidemiology Research

Another University of Southern California postdoctoral fellowship is available in the field of cancer and genetic epidemiology. Candidates with a background in epidemiology, biostatistics, or genetics will contribute to the analysis of large, diverse population datasets.

This role emphasizes:

• Investigation of cancer risk factors
• Analysis of genetic and “omics” data
• Research on multiethnic population cohorts
• Exposure to advanced statistical tools and methods

This opportunity is best suited for PhD graduates interested in population health patterns and the genetic basis of diseases.

3. Cardiovascular Development and Gene Regulation

USC is also expanding its faculty research initiatives by adding postdoctoral researchers to a newly formed laboratory dedicated to studying gene regulation in cardiovascular development and disease. The role focuses on understanding how genes guide cell behavior during growth, regeneration, and disease conditions.

Research areas include:

• Post-transcriptional gene regulation
• Cellular development mechanisms
• Molecular and genetic techniques
• Cardiovascular disease modeling

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates pursuing careers in biomedical research and translational medicine.

4. Educational Technology, Social Impact, and Design Research

Another unique University of Southern California postdoctoral fellowship focuses on educational technology and social design. The selected fellow will work alongside project leaders to develop learning tools, conduct interviews, perform data analysis, and contribute to academic publications.

The role includes:

• Curriculum development
• Prototype design and testing
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection
• Academic publishing and presentation
• Independent research (20% of time)

This position is ideal for researchers working at the intersection of technology, education, and social equity.

5. Cancer Biology and Computational Genomics

USC also invites applications for a postdoctoral role in cancer biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. The research team uses both laboratory models and computational tools to study cancer development and treatment vulnerabilities.

Key components include:

• Development of in vivo and in vitro cancer models
• Integration of computational analysis
• Study of epigenetics and immunology
• High-level genomic data processing

Applicants with experience in bioinformatics or advanced genetic analysis will benefit most from this position.

Application Details

• Application Status: Open until filled
• Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
• Funding: Fully supported through research grants
• Eligibility: Completion of PhD or equivalent degree
• Start Date: Flexible, based on mutual agreement

Early applications are strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of these positions.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a University of Southern California postdoctoral fellowship opens doors to advanced research environments, expert mentorship, and global academic recognition. With opportunities spanning public health, genetics, cardiovascular science, education technology, and cancer biology, USC offers meaningful pathways for post-PhD scholars to shape their future careers.

If you are committed to making an impact through research, now is the time to take the next step.