Research Scientist

In order for your application to be considered, you must attach a cover letter and CV to your employment application.

The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) is seeking a Research Scientist to join its team in the Global Aging Program. The research scientist will be part of a multidisciplinary team collecting original survey data, conducting research on aging, health, and/or retirement, and producing resources to enable and promote cross-country, life-course, and exposome analyses. The research scientist will be expected to lead research studies, coordinate research teams, identify new collaborations and publish research in high-ranking journals. This is a full-time, grant funded, one year fixed-term position, hybrid work arrangement.

An ideal candidate would be a leading researcher in their field (junior and senior researchers will be considered) who contributes to aging-related research using causal methods and who has experience working with studies in the international network of health and retirement studies (g2aging.org/health-and-retirement-studies/overview) or studies implementing the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (hcap.g2aging.org/hcap-studies/overview)

Job responsibilities include:

• Establishing and maintaining a research portfolio aligned with the Global Aging Program

• Organizing and leading study teams

• Securing funding (e.g., grants; contracts)

• Publishing in high-impact journals

• Establishing and maintaining research collaborations related to the Global Aging Program

• Attend and organize research conferences/workshops

• Represent the Global Aging program at meetings and conferences

• Provides leadership, direction and guidance to staff and/or student workers as needed

• Other research and administrative tasks as assigned by the Global Aging Program leadership

Qualifications:

• Established publication record in relevant disciplines, such as aging, health systems or policy, economics, or epidemiology

• Minimum education: Doctorate

• Minimum Experience: 3+ years (5+ years preferred)

Minimum Education:

Doctorate degree

Minimum Experience:

3 years of relevant work experience

Preferred Experience:

5 years of relevant work experience

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $117,128 - $150,000. 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.

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 Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR)

The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to discovering how people around the globe live, think, interact, age, invest, and make important, life-changing decisions. Our in-depth research and analysis are deepening the understanding of human behavior in a wide range of economic and social contexts.  Our ultimate goal: to improve social welfare by informing and influencing decision-making in the public and private sectors. Along the way, we are leading a creative revolution in how scientists conduct social science and economic research through the use of innovative technology.

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. 

About the Sol Price School of Public Policy

Ranked among the foremost schools of public policy in the nation, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy generates uncommon knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1929, the Price School is anchored by four departments: Public Policy and Management, Health Policy and Management, Wilbur H. Smith III Department of Estate Development; and Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis. Rigorous academic programs provide students with the knowledge and distinctive opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their professions. Integrating classroom instruction with real-world experience and led by some of the world’s most renowned faculty in their fields, our students establish a clear pathway to successful careers.

The academic programs are augmented by several highly visible research centers and  institutes that provide additional research expertise and experiences.  Notable among them are: The Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public; The Center for Philanthropy and Public Policy; The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate; The METRANS Transportation Consortium; The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics; and The Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy.

Together, these departments and research enterprises provide unmatched breadth and depth to tackle an enormous range of challenges facing our country and the world. Price graduates hold leadership positions across diverse sectors – public, private, and nonprofit – championing the advancement of the common good. They come from around the world and from a variety of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds to create a rich intellectual environment that celebrates, supports and benefits from diverse people and opinions.

Minimum Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


Minimum Experience: 5 years

Minimum Skills: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts. Demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in appropriate academic and practitioner outlets. Demonstrated independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing according established criteria (e.g., first-authored publications, conceptual leadership in the development of publications generated alone or with others, writing of first drafts of publications and/or single-authored publications).

                                                  

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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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