POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Cell Biology & Immunology - Calibr-Skaggs

About Us

Calibr-Skaggs, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Calibr-Skaggs was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing.

POSITION TITLE

Postdoctoral Associate, Cell Biology & Chemical Biology

Position Summary

The candidate will join an early-stage discovery research group at Calibr-Skaggs. Under guidance and in collaboration with others the candidate will perform research in the areas of cell biology and chemical biology. Specifically, the candidate will work on hit-to-lead drug discovery of small molecule and peptide drug candidates discovered through Calibr-Skaggs’ DNA-encoded library (DEL) platform. The primary goal of the research is to discover novel therapies for immunology and inflammation. The drug discovery pipeline at Calibr-Skaggs spans early discovery to IND, and the candidate will be engaged throughout this process. A successful candidate will be self-led and able to work both independently and collaboratively to lead research projects, analyze data and interpret results. The right candidate will be adaptable with a willingness to collaborate with others on a wide range of projects, and enthusiastically learn new skills/techniques.

Responsibilities

• Work within discovery project teams and with scientists across different functional areas and be expected to present her or his work at project team meetings and to research leadership.
• Work independently to design, execute, analyze, interpret and troubleshoot scientific experiments in cell and chemical biology.
• Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner to research leadership.
• Communicate effectively with peers and supervisors, foster teamwork and contribute to collaborative efforts.
• Strong commitment to quality in research and presentation.
• Develop and implement robust cellular assays to support discovery of small molecules as clinical development candidates.
• Design and execute research strategies that further our understanding of the mechanisms of novel compounds and targets.
• Include utilizing disease models to design target validation studies and relevant assays in support of SAR chemistry, mechanism of action, biomarker selection, and disease positioning.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have strong core competencies in research and an understanding of chemical and cell biology and associated biological techniques and assay development.
• Direct experience in immunology and inflammation is a plus, but not required. Candidates can expect to apply their basic understanding of research to learning drug discovery and development.
• Experience And Prior Skill Sets Should Include Core knowledge of mammalian cell biology and chemical biology.
• Specific knowledge in Immunology and Inflammation.
• Experience with western blots, ELISA and/or AlphaLISAs.
• Experience with PBMCs and other immunologically relevant cell types.
• Experience with tissue culture, cell transfection and transduction.
• Experience in drug discovery and an understanding of drug-protein interactions.
• Experience in cell-based fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry.
• Additional experience that would be considered a plus (but not required): Prior work with animal models, Prior work with peptide drugs, Prior work with DNA-encoded libraries.

Requirements

• Requires a PhD in cell biology, chemical biology, or related area or an equivalent combination of education and training.
• A strong track record of research productivity.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

Physical Requirements

This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Details 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 per year. 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 four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts.Paid Time Off - 5 days annuallyFree, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees.Free, on-site parking. Pet Insurance