POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Badran Lab - Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Eligibility for retirement plans

Full suite of health and welfare plans

Paid time off

On-site counseling center

Free on-site parking

Pet insurance

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in San Diego is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join Dr. Ahmed H. Badran’s lab. The role involves addressing technical gaps in cellular processes through innovative approaches in synthetic and chemical biology. Responsibilities include leading antibiotic discovery projects and developing biosynthetic tools. Candidates should possess a doctoral degree in a relevant field and have strong skills in biochemistry. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including retirement plans and health insurance.

Responsibilities

• In-depth understanding of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Successful record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Protein/RNA bioengineering

Experimental synthetic biology

Molecular biology

Bacterial genetics

Mammalian tissue culture

Assay development

Oral and written communication

Data documentation

Presentation skills

Collaborative skills

Education

Doctoral degree in chemical biology or related field

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

Dr. Ahmed H. Badran’s laboratory at Scripps Research seeks to hire 3-4 highly motivated Postdoctoral Associates. The Badran Lab aims to address technical shortcomings in conserved cellular processes through innovative synthetic/chemical biology, directed evolution, genome editing and bioengineering approaches. Specifically, we aspire to develop tools for accelerating the evolution of macromolecular biosynthetic machinery and whole organisms. The recruited postdoctoral scholar(s) will lead diverse projects in the following areas:

• Targeted antibiotics discovery for microbiome regulation;
• Prediction of antimicrobial resistance modalities;
• Comprehensive strategies for genetic code expansion;
• Improving carbon fixation through RuBisCO directed evolution;
• Development of polymerases for xeno nucleic acid amplification

The postdoctoral scholar would lead efforts towards the creation of robust circuits to detect cellular metabolites, develop tools to limit crosstalk between host processes and researcher‑dictated metabolic functions, and implement these designed sensors in directed evolution experiments to afford novel metabolic pathways. This position will also include optimizing existing and developing improved methods for directed evolution, and rigorous troubleshooting of synthetic designs. All inquiries should include an updated CV and a brief introduction directed to [e-mail]. 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/. 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.

Responsibilities And Duties

• In-depth understanding of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry
• Prior experience with protein/RNA bioengineering, experimental synthetic biology, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, mammalian tissue culture and assay development are all preferred but not absolutely necessary; any exceptionally creative and driven scientist interested in joining our team will be thoroughly considered
• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Successful record of scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in chemical biology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field; a pending doctoral degree will be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator

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.
• Paid Time Off - 5 days annually
• Free, on‑site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits‑eligible employees.
• 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.