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Usc Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Southern California

$100 - $134/hr

USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Los Angeles, CaliforniaNon-Tenure-Track Research Assistant Professor We are seeking a research faculty member with a strong program in ...

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University of Southern California

$130 - $140/hr

The Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) of the University of Southern California (USC) and Children ... the position of Assistant Professor of Research Orthopedic Surgery to join the Division of ...

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How much do usc research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for usc research assistant in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USC research assistant?

USC Research Assistants are students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of faculty members or principal investigators at the University of Southern California. They support academic research projects by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, performing literature reviews, and helping prepare reports or publications. Research Assistants may be undergraduate or graduate students and often gain valuable experience in their field of study while contributing to ongoing research. The position can be part-time or full-time, and may be paid or for academic credit depending on the department and funding.

How does a USC research assistant typically collaborate with faculty and other team members during a research project?

As a USC Research Assistant, you will regularly work under the guidance of a faculty supervisor, participating in meetings to discuss project goals, progress, and challenges. Collaboration often involves coordinating with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and sometimes external partners, depending on the research scope. You may contribute to literature reviews, data collection, experiment setup, and analysis, sharing findings with the team and receiving feedback. Open communication and a willingness to ask questions are key to thriving in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USC research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USC Research Assistant, you generally need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often in the field of study you will be supporting. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature review databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment or survey tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively with faculty and peers. These competencies are essential to ensure high-quality research outcomes, reliable data collection, and smooth project execution within the university's research environment.

What is the difference between Usc Research Assistant vs Usc Research Associate?

AspectUsc Research AssistantUsc Research Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree or equivalentMaster's degree or higher, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research offices, academic settingsAdvanced research projects, supervisory roles, labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government labsUniversities, research institutions, industry collaborations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Usc Research Assistant typically holds a bachelor's degree and supports research activities under supervision. The Usc Research Associate usually has a master's or higher degree and takes on more advanced responsibilities, often overseeing projects or mentoring assistants. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the associate position generally requires more experience and credentials.

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Usc Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usc Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

USC Gould School of Law

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities

Theory

  • Quantum transport modeling using NEGF; first-principles materials and interface calculations using DFT (VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or equivalent).
  • Atomistic spin dynamics or micromagnetic simulation (e.g., Vampire, OOMMF, MuMax3); extraction of compact device models from first-principles results.

Experiment

  • End-to-end device fabrication: e-beam lithography, metallization, lift-off, thin-film deposition, and etch.
  • Integration of heterogeneous material stacks supplied by collaborators into working device structures.
  • Electrical and magnetic characterization, including cryogenic transport, FMR, and high-frequency lock-in measurements.

Program role

  • Design and lead validation experiments at the major program decision gates, co-author theory and experimental publications, and contribute to the patent portfolio.

Qualifications

Required

  • PhD (awarded or imminent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated competence in both a computational technique (NEGF, DFT, micromagnetics, atomistic spin dynamics, or equivalent) and an experimental technique (device fabrication, transport, FMR, magneto-optics, or thin-film characterization).
  • Strong publication record.

Preferred

  • Prior experience with spintronic materials or beyond-CMOS device platforms.
  • Familiarity with MATLAB or the Python scientific stack.
  • Prior involvement in multi-PI collaborations or government-funded programs.

What the Program Offers

Competitive salary commensurate with experience (USC postdoc / USC-ISI graduate research assistant scales). Access to USC-ISI cleanroom facilities, the broader USC research ecosystem, and fabrication routing through the CA DREAMS Microelectronics Commons Hub. Direct involvement in a high-visibility DARPA program with clear paths to first-author publications and a position in a growing patent portfolio. The successful candidate will interact regularly with senior faculty at partner institutions. Detailed technical scope will be discussed during the interview. The initial appointment is for 18 months, renewable for up to 36 months subject to performance and program funding.

To Apply

CV including publication list A one-page statement describing your prior research and your interest in the program - please indicate explicitly which theoretical and experimental techniques you bring Names and contact information for three references PDF of one representative publication

Email your CV, cover letter, and relevant publications to Ajey Jacob at ajey@isi.edu.

The Application Specific Intelligent Computing Lab at the USC Information Sciences Institute (USC-ISI) is recruiting to join a beyond-CMOS spintronics program - a 36-month, multi-institution DARPA-funded effort to develop a three-terminal beyond-CMOS digital logic switch based on spintronic elements.
The successful candidate will take technical leadership on device physics and device integration, working across theory and experiment within a multi-PI team spanning USC-ISI and partner institutions.

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 theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor 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 atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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