The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in the Equity Research Institute at the University of Southern California. This is a one-year Power Building postdoctoral scholar Building Research Capacity to Power Health Equity in California, renewable for a second year. 

The USC Equity Research Institute (ERI) is a research unit headed by Professor Manuel Pastor and situated within the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. Founded in 2007, ERI provides forward-looking, actionable research to support community-based organizations, funders, and other stakeholders working towards social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. ERI produces data-driven analysis and rigorous research to inform movements and policy; leads convenings and communications that deepen and broaden our reach into key audiences; engages in strategic collaborations that leverage our strengths for broader impact; and models an effective, sustainable, and racially-just research center. For more information about us and our projects, visit: https://dornsife.usc.edu/ERI.

This postdoctoral position is funded to strengthen California’s ecosystem of community-engaged researchers who are equipped with the skills and capacities to provide data and narrative that bolsters community power and power building for health equity.

We invite applicants who will support the work of our partnership to make the case that equity is both a moral imperative and the key to economic prosperity and to produce high impact research on racial, economic, and social justice. The postdoctoral fellow will assist the team to design, organize, and conduct advanced quantitative (statistical, spatial, etc.) analyses; translate complex data and analyses for mainstream audiences; and contribute to the writing of both academic articles and popular reports. They will also possess strong communication skills to work effectively within the team, and a diversity of stakeholders and sectors.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits. The applicant must have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree by August 1, 2025. Graduating doctoral students and pre-tenure professors with a doctorate in a social science discipline may apply. Scholars working across disciplines are encouraged to apply. This is a one-year position.

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $74,000 - $84,000. 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.

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

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Review of applications will commence mid-January 2025 with a decision expected by late-February 2025.Applications must include: (1) a cover letter, (2) C.V., (3) a detailed description of the nature of the research undertaken during the fellowship period, (4) a relevant writing and analysis sample up to 30 pages, and (5) contact information for three references. Please do not submit your application without these documents.Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.Questions about the application process or requirements should be directed to Dr. Thai V. Le: thaivle@usc.edu.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate.