POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Andersen Lab

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 75,353; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eligibility for retirement plans

Health and welfare plans

Paid Time Off

Free on-site parking

Pet insurance

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to work in the Andersen lab focusing on genomics and emerging viruses. This role emphasizes developing AI-based tools for disease surveillance and public health decision-making, working closely with international collaborators.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in computational biology or related fields. The compensation ranges from $70,304 to $75,353, alongside comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing AI-based tools for disease surveillance.
• Strong background in computational biology or computer science.
• Interest in integration of diverse data streams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with international institutions.
• Develop statistical and AI approaches for pathogen surveillance.
• Create new ways of disseminating data and analyses.

Skills

Computational frameworks

AI-based tools development

Data integration

Disease surveillance

Education

Ph.D., M.D., D. Phil., or equivalent degree

Tools

Statistical methods

Artificial intelligence approaches

Job description

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

The Andersen lab is working on diverse projects using genomics approaches and high‑throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and the outbreaks they cause, including arenaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, orthopoxviruses, and arboviruses. We use an integrated approach of field work, technology development, and computational biology to investigate these viruses.

We are looking for a computational postdoc with experience and/or interest in developing AI‑based tools for integration of diverse disease surveillance data to estimate disease burden, track pathogen dynamics, and guide public health decision making. Of most interest are candidates with experience in developing computational frameworks and tools for multimodal data integration, projection of infectious disease trends, optimization of response strategies, or LLM‑assisted analyses and visualizations. This position is part of our larger initiatives, including Modjadji, PREVENT, SEARCH, Outbreak.info, and the Center for Viral Systems Biology. Candidates will be co‑mentored by senior researchers in the Andersen lab, Dr. Karthik Gangavarapu and Dr. Joshua Levy.

Tasks will include

• Work closely with collaborators across multiple international institutions.
• Develop and deploy new statistical and artificial intelligence approaches for comprehensive pathogen surveillance across wastewater and clinical data streams.
• Utilize pre-existing resources and work with computational scientists and biologists to create new ways of openly disseminating data and analyses with a focus on global health.

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.

Scripps Research adheres to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) definition of a Postdoctoral Scholar: an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored, advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.

REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a Ph.D., M.D., D. Phil., or equivalent degree in computational biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, or related field from a recognized institution of higher learning. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.

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 four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Free on‑site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits‑eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off – 5 days annually.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Pet Insurance.

Apply

Interested candidates should apply, including a cover letter and up‑to‑date CV. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Before applying, please review the FAQ including a link to the Andersen Lab website.

Disclaimer

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.