"Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate"

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The laboratory of Dr. Pinghui Feng in the Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, located on the University Park Campus, is seeking one postdoctoral scholar to investigate the unconventional activities of a metabolic enzyme in viral infection and cancer. Current projects include examining the roles of glutamine amidotransferases in the immune response to infection and cancer, as well as developing small-molecule regulators of these enzymes to treat related diseases. The lab is part of a large research team with projects in cancer biology, neurodegeneration, and osteonecrosis. Opportunities exist for the candidate to expand the scope of research. An ideal candidate will have training (e.g., a Ph.D. in microbiology or immunology) and experience in virology or cancer biology.

The lab's research focuses on understanding the roles of metabolic enzymes in fundamental biological processes, such as viral infection and host defense. We explore herpesvirus infection as a model system to probe the unconventional roles of metabolic enzymes (such as protein deamidases), leveraging cutting-edge technologies including proteomics, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, and conditional knockout or knockin mouse models. For more details, please consult our previous publications (Mol. Cell, 2015; Cell Host & Microbe, 2016; Cell Metab., 2020; Nat. Metab., 2024; Immunity, 2025). The lab is part of a multidisciplinary, highly interactive team in the Norris Dental Science Center. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to conduct independent, challenging research under the PI’s close supervision and to work in a highly collaborative manner.

We are seeking self-motivated and goal-driven postdoctoral candidates, with a PhD or MD/PhD in molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, immunology or related fields and be skilled in protein biochemistry and related disciplines. Previous experience with metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics or bioinformatics would be helpful. The candidate should be able to work both independently and in a collaborative environment, with a strong commitment to reaching research excellence and achieving assigned objectives. Please send CV and names of three references to Veronica Elizarraras at elizarra@usc.edu

The University of Southern California strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. Women and men, and members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.