POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

ABOUT US:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:  Postdoctoral Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:
A Postdoctoral Associate position is immediately available in the Immunology and Microbiology Department in the laboratory of Dr. Sumit K. Chanda as part of a multi-disciplinary program focused on using a systems-level understanding of innate immunity, immunology, and virus-host interactions. The successful candidate will join a team investigating mechanisms of virus-host interactions, with a focus on utilizing chemical biology and chemoproteomics tools to identify novel host-pathogen interactions that underlie viral infection and to develop novel therapeutic strategies to facilitate pandemic preparedness. Studies will focus on RNA viruses of pandemic potential, including influenza virus, coronavirus, flaviviruses, and filoviruses. The person filling this position will play an important intellectual, technical, and scientific role in leading projects. The candidate will also assist with the preparation of grant applications and manuscripts, and contribute to additional projects in the lab. (Position supported by NIH funding.)

Please submit a CV/Biosketch and a Cover Letter addressing the following topics: (i) how does your research experience fit with our science? (ii) what can you uniquely bring to our research program & lab? (iii) and what are your long-term professional goals, and how can joining our team fit in these goals? and (iv) why you think you will be exceptionally successful in this role.

Postdoctoral Associates are appointed positions for the purpose of developing scholarly competence, working under the supervision of a Scripps Research Faculty member.  These appointments are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years.  Postdoctoral Associates cannot apply for external funding either as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator without prior approval from a Departmental Chair.  Postdoctoral Associates do not have consulting privileges.

Make Scripps Research your next step to advance your research training. Click here to learn more about our Postdoctoral Program and Services: 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. degree in biological science is required. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator. 
• Strong background in virology and molecular biology 
• BSL-3, functional genomics, and bioinformatic experience is a plus 
• Knowledge or experience in the fields of drug discovery and in vivo studies is a plus 
• Demonstrated productivity with a strong publication record in high-quality journals 
• Excellent communication skills in English, verbal and written
  Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently
  Ability to work in a highly dynamic environment
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION: Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institute of Health and California's exempt salary guidelines, which provide for a starting range of $70,304- $75,353. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
 

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Remote/Hybrid/Flexible work schedules (Dependent on role).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Free, on-site parking. 

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice.   Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. 

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