POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - JARDINE LAB - Immunology and Microbiology

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. With a 100-year legacy celebrated in 2024, the institute has made seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, Scripps Research houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school, and a leading postdoctoral training program. The institute encompasses the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, merging foundational studies in biology, chemistry, and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine.

About the role

The Jardine Lab at Scripps Research is an interdisciplinary research group applying engineering-based approaches to understand challenging biological problems and develop therapeutic interventions. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to focus on developing medical countermeasures against botulism neurotoxin intoxication. The selected candidate will design, construct, and screen synthetic monobody-based libraries to identify high-affinity binders that broadly neutralize botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT), in collaboration with Calibr, the translational division at Scripps Research.

Postdoctoral Associates are appointed positions for developing scholarly competence under the supervision of a Scripps Research Faculty member, typically not renewed beyond five years. Postdoctoral Associates cannot apply for external funding as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator without prior approval and do not have consulting privileges.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and validate yeast display monobody (Mb) libraries.
• Conduct discovery campaigns against BoNTs to identify broadly neutralizing Mb candidates.
• Produce and characterize Mbs identified through discovery campaigns.
• Measure binding affinity and specificity.
• Evaluate the biochemical and biophysical properties of lead candidates, including polyreactivity, size exclusion chromatography profiles, and thermal stability.
• Establish, optimize, and perform functional assays for BoNT neutralization.
• Affinity mature lead Mb candidates to improve potency and breadth across diverse BoNT variants.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, using creative, solution-oriented approaches to overcome technical challenges.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present research findings at major scientific conferences.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific field, with a strong record of research productivity and publication.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing reports, manuscripts, and delivering scientific presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated cultural awareness and respect for colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Pay

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

Benefits

• 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, and EAP.
• Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 5 days of paid time off annually.
• Free on-site Counseling Center providing confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees.
• Free on-site parking.
• Pet insurance.