POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - MRAVIC

That Startup Job; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Health plans

Dependent FSA

Counseling services

Paid time off

Free on-site parking

Pet insurance

Job summary

Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, invites applications for a hybrid computational-experimental Postdoctoral Associate position in the Mravic Laboratory. Focus is on design of proteins and peptides that fold in lipid membranes, integrating software-based design with lab validation.

Qualified candidates have a PhD in related fields, strong communication, and a passion for advancing membrane protein science with potential therapeutic insights.

Qualifications

• Must possess a doctoral degree in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular biology, biophysics, or related field.
• Strong experimental and computational skills with independence in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication and potential for peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop de novo design and protein engineering for membrane proteins.
• Combine computational design with experimental validation in lipid membranes.
• Contribute to cryo-EM and structural biology workflows as needed.

Skills

Membrane protein biochemistry

Molecular modeling

Protein design

Cell biology

Structural biology

Cryo-EM

AI/ML

Cell signaling assays

Protein engineering screening

Education

PhD in cell biology

Tools

N/A

Job description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - MRAVIC

CompanyScripps Research

LocationSan Diego, California, United States

TypeOnsite

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.

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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

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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. Make Scripps Research your next step to advance and develop your career. Click here to learn more about our Postdoctoral Program and Services: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/

Requirements

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

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.

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.

Life at Scripps Research

Thrive Here & What We Value

• Celebrating a Century
• Collaborative Environment
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Diverse Thought, Culture, and Background in Science
• Merging Foundational Studies with Translational Science
• Cultivating New Scientific Leaders