POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - MRAVIC

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Retirement plans

Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts

On-site counseling center

Paid time off

On-site parking

Pet Insurance

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA, invites applications for a hybrid computational-experimental Postdoctoral Associate in the Mravic Laboratory. The role centers on computational design of proteins and peptides that fold and function within cellular lipid membranes, integrating protein engineering with de novo design to modulate membrane protein structures and functions.

Ideal candidates will have multi-disciplinary interest, strong communication skills, and a doctoral degree in a

Qualifications

• Must possess a doctoral degree in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular biology, biophysics or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication; independent, motivated researcher.
• Desirable: cryo-EM experience, AI/ML, cell signaling assays, or protein engineering screening/selections.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement computational design of proteins and peptides that fold and function within cellular lipid membranes.
• Develop software approaches encoding protein structure/interactions in lipid environments.
• Focus on de novo design and protein engineering to modulate membrane proteins for biochemical mechanisms with therapeutic potential.
• Postdoctoral Associates are appointed to develop scholarly competence under supervision and may have limited funding opportunities.

Skills

Membrane protein biochemistry

Molecular modeling/simulations

Protein design

Basic cell & molecular biology

Structural biology

Education

Doctoral degree in life sciences

Tools

Cryo-EM

AI / machine learning

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:

A hybrid computational-experimental Postdoctoral position is available in the Mravic Laboratory at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, focusing on computational design of proteins and peptides that fold and function within cellular lipid membranes. The lab develops software approaches that encode protein structure and interactions more accurately within the lipid environment. The role will focus on developing approaches for de novo design and protein engineering to create new chemical matter that modulates the structures and functions of cellular membrane proteins, aimed at studying and intercepting biochemical mechanism with therapeutic potential.

The ideal candidate will have technical experience in multiple of the following skills and should have an interest in gaining training in the others: membrane protein biochemistry, molecular modeling/simulations, protein design, basic cell & molecular biology, structural biology (cryo-EM). Research experience with cryo-EM, AI/machine learning, cell signaling assays, and/or protein engineering screening or selections are highly desirable but not required.

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.

Must possess a doctoral degree in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular biology, biophysics, or related field. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.

Highly motivated, independent, with outstanding written and oral communication skills, and with available or pending peer-reviewed publication(s).

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

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.