The Biomedical Microsystems Lab (https://biomems.usc.edu/) directed by Prof. Ellis Meng seeks an outstanding and highly motivated senior research associate as the Center Director for the NIH-funded SPARC HORNET Center for Autonomic Nerve Recording and Stimulation Systems (CARSS) that will develop open-architecture, opensource implantable neuromodulation system that will support diverse clinical research needs in bioelectronic medicine. The system will have a common connection scheme and large selection of modular and interoperable implantable leads for stimulation and sensing. The Center Director is expected to work closely with the principal investigators to execute the research plan and lead the activities of CARSS.

The position is with the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA. The Viterbi School is consistently one of the top schools of engineering in the United States and home to more than 35 research centers and institutes. USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities and the oldest private research university in California. It supports a rich scientific research environment and is a global center for arts, technology, and business.

This is a 12 month, fixed-term position and will be renewed yearly conditional upon performance, completion of milestones, and funding availability. The senior research associate will receive a comprehensive benefits packaging including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, among many other benefits.

Candidates should have the following qualifications: (1) PhD from a top university with demonstrated research activity in neural engineering applications with emphasis on biosensing, neural interfacing, or neuromodulation systems and components (degree in Biomedical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or in a related field); (2) postdoctoral or industry experience in the same field with demonstrated achievements in the role(s); and (3) peer-reviewed research publications as the primary author in leading journals on these topics.

Preferred candidates will have prior experience working in multidisciplinary teams. The candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills that can be demonstrated through their research publications and presentations.

Specific responsibilities include:
• Lead and participate in the day-to-day operation of the center
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team including the principal investigators, members of the collaborative research team, other HORNET center members, and technology end users
• Provide project management of the center subprojects, ensuring goals and
timelines are met, and to facilitate synergistic connections between the
subprojects
• Coordination of steering committee, participation in committee meetings, and
maintain record of the meeting action items and outcomes
• Ability to network with potential resource users and provide relevant education
• Lead and participate in regular meetings and discussions with the research
group, collaborators, resource users, and the research sponsors, including
organizing and hosting the grantee meeting
• Create technical reports, presentations, and documentation associated with the research and meetings
• Publish technical articles in peer-reviewed conferences and journals and present at conferences
• Facilitate engagement of the user community, follow on collaborations, and
connections to manufacturing partners
• Supervise, mentor, and train CARSS staff

Review of applications will be immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 2-3 references.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts.