Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

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, 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, is looking for a Postdoctoral Scholar who are looking to sharpen their analytical skills and advance their research agendas in the fields of health policy and health economics through formal and informal training and extensive collaboration with distinguished researchers.

Postdoctoral scholars at the Schaeffer Center collaborate with our outstanding USC faculty on research to advance the Center’s mission and the career of the scholar.   Each scholar works closely with a primary mentor.  Protected time to finish outside projects is often available.  Prior fellows have gone on to positions in government, nonprofits, industry and academia, including the University of Southern California. The application process is highly competitive and will emphasize research potential.

This position will serve as a research trainee for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies and will participate in planning, designing and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of a supervisor.

Minimum Education:

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Minimum Experience:

1 year

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $62,400- $90,000. 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.

This position is a hybrid work arrangement, two year fixed-term appointment.

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Position is 100% FTE

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 Center for Health Policy & Economics

Since its establishment in 2009, the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics has served as an intellectual hub for health policy and health economics research at USC. The Schaeffer Center’s mission is to measurably improve value in health through evidence-based policy solutions, research excellence, and private and public sector engagement. As the home to about 150 faculty, staff, and fellows—including 3 Nobel Laureates—the Center produces some of the leading academic research in its field. The Center ranks 4th in the world in health economics, and we have become a trusted resource for Congress, federal agencies (including CMS, FDA, CBO, and NIH), and organizations such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

In 2023, Schaeffer-affiliated faculty testified before the Senate Comm