Postdoctoral Scholar

For more than 75 years, the University of Southern California has been working to ensure that people of every age and from every circumstance can live life to the fullest. Throughout the decades, Trojans near and far have advanced the profession of occupational therapy and the research discipline of occupational science. Today, the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy proudly carries this legacy forward as we aim to improve the quality of life of people and communities across the world.

We have a shared purpose here at USC Chan. Together, our researchers, educators, clinicians, students and alumni are dedicated to optimizing the engagement of people — especially those with disability, injury, illness, unhealthy lifestyles or chronic conditions — in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life.

The University of Southern California (USC) Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is seeking two Postdoctoral Scholars – Research Associates to join the Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory led by Dr. Sook-Lei Liew. These positions are funded by an NIH R01 grant focused on advancing research in stroke neurorehabilitation using big data, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and brain imaging (MRI). 

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Scholars will contribute to multidisciplinary research investigating how brain imaging can predict long-term motor recovery after. Specifically, this project will focus on the use of large structural brain imaging datasets (brain MRIs) to identify prognostic biomarkers of post-stroke sensorimotor recovery and other functional outcomes. The scholars will work closely with Dr. Liew and collaborators across neuroscience, engineering, computer science and rehabilitation disciplines, gaining valuable experience in both basic and translational research.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in neurorehabilitation, neuroimaging, and AI
• Design, implement, and analyze neuroimaging and behavioral experiments
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and assist in grant writing
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research
• Present research findings at conferences and other academic venues

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, occupational therapy, kinesiology, psychology, or a related field
• Strong background in neuroimaging (e.g., MRI)
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity (e.g., publications, conference presentations)
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with neurorehabilitation or stroke motor recovery research
• Proficiency in programming, structural brain imaging and data analysis tools (e.g., FreeSurfer, Python, bash, R)
• Experience with applying AI and machine learning to structural brain imaging analyses
• Familiarity with human subjects research and IRB protocols

The annual base salary for this position is $68,640. 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. 

USC is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 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. 

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 , or by email at  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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