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 are celebrating 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.  We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to 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.

Celebrating a Century:  https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE:  Postdoctoral Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Laboratory of Immune Longevity (LIL) will be opening in March 2025 within the Department of Immunology & Microbiology at the Scripps Research Institute. Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Associate position, with the role starting in March 2025.

To date, many vaccination approaches against important human infectious diseases have failed, largely due to their inability of generating durable antibody titers, produced by long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs). This is a problem urging immediate attention and the successful candidate will work on unraveling the mechanisms leading to the generation of durable immune responses, with a particular focus given to LLPC biology. LIL uses a combination of newly engineered mouse models, technologies and immunization methods to understand the rules that dictate the fate of plasma cells and their roles in health and disease. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with a very talented group of scientists aiming to uncover fundamental immunological questions with potential impacts to the way we think and design vaccines, as well as treatments to inflammatory disorders, autoimmunity and cancer.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct independent and collaborative research in immunology and related areas. Design, perform and troubleshoot experiments, data collection, and analysis. Design new mouse models and technologies to address key immunological questions. Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

Applications will be reviewed beginning June 2024, and candidates will be interviewed on a running basis, until position(s) are filled. Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

Cover Letter detailing research interests, motivations and career goals. Full version of Curriculum Vitae (CV), highlighting major achievements. Contact information for 3 references.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Renan V. H. de Carvalho, Ph.D.
Email: rdecarvalho@scripps.edu

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 and develop your career. Click here to learn more about our Postdoctoral Program and Services: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/

REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Strong background in cellular and molecular immunology, infectious diseases, vaccinology, antibodies and humoral immune responses. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and work in a team. Strong knowledge of the existing literature in immunology, dogmas and challenges. Creativity to develop cutting-edge tools, uniquely addressing key scientific questions. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Expertise in imaging, flow cytometry, FACS, in vivo mouse models of infection and immunization and molecular biology/cloning.

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 $68,000- $73,230. 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). 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.  Pet Insurance

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. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.