Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff who make the university what it is.

The Department of Ophthalmology/USC Roski Eye Institute at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is seeking applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track clinical faculty position at the Assistant Professor level through the USC Roski Eye K12 Clinician-Vision Scientist Training Program.

The USC Roski Eye K12 Clinician-Vision Scientist Training Program is funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and led by Program Director Mark Humayun, MD, PhD. The program prepares emerging clinician-scientists for independent careers in vision research through mentored research, individualized training, and career development.

Successful candidates will be appointed as Assistant Professors in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC for a three-year Scholar appointment. Scholars will devote 75% FTE protected time to research and career development activities and 25% FTE to clinical and administrative activities.

The Scholar will receive $105,000 per year in research support funding, appropriate research space, individualized mentorship, and access to institutional resources to support the development of an independent research career.

The Scholar will work with experienced Program Faculty (Preceptors) to develop an individualized research project, training curriculum, and career development plan. Research opportunities span five thematic areas:

• Imaging
• Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Inflammation
• Neurodegeneration

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold an M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent medical degree.
• Have completed, or expect to complete prior to appointment, an accredited U.S. ophthalmology residency program.
• Be board-certified or board-eligible in ophthalmology.
• Hold or be eligible to obtain an unrestricted California medical license prior to appointment.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder), in accordance with NIH K12 eligibility requirements.
• Have no more than three years of prior support through an NIH K-series Career Development Award. Applicants with more than three years of prior NIH K-series support are not eligible.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to developing an independent career as a clinician-scientist in vision research.

Successful candidates will demonstrate scientific creativity, research potential and productivity, and a strong commitment to an academic career combining vision research with clinical ophthalmology.

Application Process

Applicants should apply for this position through the USC job posting website and upload the materials requested through the USC faculty recruitment system.

Candidates must also complete the separate USC Roski Eye K12 Clinician-Vision Scientist Training Program application. The complete K12 application must be submitted by December 1, 2026. Detailed program information, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and required application materials are available at:

https://keck.usc.edu/ophthalmology/research/usc-roski-eye-k12/

Applications will be reviewed by the Program Director, Program Advisory Committee, and Program Faculty (Preceptors) whose expertise aligns with the candidate's proposed research. Selected candidates will be invited to interview with program leadership and faculty.

The earliest anticipated start date is April 1, 2027. Final offers will be made on a rolling basis until the available positions are filled.

Salary and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $225,700 - $275,000.

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 and training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC offers a comprehensive benefits package. Information regarding University benefits programs and eligibility is available through USC Employee Gateway.