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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:

Postdoctoral positions are available in Dr. Jiang Zhu's laboratory for highly motivated candidates who are interested in vaccine development for viral pathogens such as HIV-1, HCV, Flu, SARS-CoV-1/2, MERS-CoV, Ebola/Marburg, RSV/hMPV, and ZIKV. Dr. Zhu holds a joint appointment in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology (ISCB) and the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research in La Jolla, CA (https://www.scripps.edu). Dr. Zhu's laboratory combines structure-based antigen design, protein nanoparticle engineering, animal immunization, single-cell technologies, and immunological assays to develop and evaluate next-generation vaccines. Multiple vaccine candidates are currently under clinical development with ongoing and planned phase-I human trials. Details of Dr. Zhu's laboratory, on-going research projects, and recent publications can be found at www.jzhulab.org. Dr. Zhu is also the co-founder of Uvax Bio LLC (www.uvaxbio.com), a vaccine biotechnology company that aims to address global health challenges with innovative vaccine solutions. An HIV-1 nanoparticle vaccine candidate developed by the Zhu lab is currently in the Phase 1 clinical trial in Australia (ANZCTR registration #: ACTRN12624000064505), which is sponsored by Uvax Bio. An NIH-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial is under preparation and is expected to take place in early 2025.

Research projects may involve but are not limited to (1) virology: infections and diseases caused by viral pathogens such as HIV-1, Flu, RSV/hMPV, and HCV, among others; (2) immunology: study of vaccine-induced adaptive immunity by single-cell analysis, single-cell immune profiling, and next-generation sequencing (NGS); and (3) structural biology: crystallographic and electron microscopic (EM) analyses of antibody/antigen complexes.

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: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/

REQUIREMENTS: 

Successful candidates will have a recent Ph.D. in virology, immunology, biophysics, structural biology, or other related fields. Candidates with prior experience in molecular virology and B cell immunology are especially encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants should apply to this job post and also send the following materials, preferably as a single PDF file, by email to Dr. Jiang Zhu (jiang@scripps.edu):

1) Cover letter indicating current and future research interests
2) Expected starting date
3) Curriculum vitae
4) Brief summary of previous research experience (2-3 pages)
5) Names and contact information for 3 references.

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- $75,000. 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. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.