Research Scientist

The Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service has been established by a historic gift from USC Trustee Leonard D. Schaeffer. It houses two existing programs under one umbrella—the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service.

The USC Schaeffer Center is a collaboration of the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Sol Price School of Public Policy with the mission to measurably improve value in health through evidence-based policy solutions, research excellence, and private and public sector engagement.

The Schaeffer Institute is seeking a Research Scientist who plan, design, and execute research projects.  A particular focus will be on research and policy analyses related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias   

This position is a 3-year appointment with the possibility of renewal dependent on the ability to secure continued external funding and demonstrated success at developing and executing a research portfolio.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, designing, and conducting of highly specialized, technical, and complex research projects independently

• Creating long-term research goals and objectives and contribuing to the development of advanced concepts, techniques, and standards

• Identifying, researching, compiling, and evaluating data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization

• Analyzing and evaluating research data and providing interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research

• Developing research documentation for publications and preparing papers that show independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing

• Making presentations at academic conferences

• Providing leadership, direction, and guidance to staff and/or student workers

Minimum Education:

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Minimum Experience:

5 years directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories, and concepts.

Must have demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in academic outlets (i.e., first authored publications, conceptual leadership in the development of publications generated alone or with others, and/or writing of first drafts of publications and/or single authored publications).

Compensation:

The annual base salary range for this position is $108,321.49 - $145,823.38. 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.

Funding Restrictions

This position is funded by a contract/grant/gift and may be funded by a subsequent contract/grant/gift. Accordingly, this position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant/gift to continue employment.

Position is 100% FTE with an on-site work arrangement.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Documents

Cover letter Resume/CV

About the USC Schaeffer Institute

The USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service was established by an historic gift from USC Trustee Leonard D. Schaeffer in 2024.  Its mission is to develop and promote strong public leaders; support civic engagement; amplify the reach and impact of USC scholarship, and offer evidence-based policy solutions to the nation’s most pressing political, social, and economic challenges.  It houses two programs under one umbrella—the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service.

About the Schaeffer Cente