POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE – Mravic Lab – Integrative Structural & Computational Biology

tsu.edu; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Health and welfare plans

Dependent FSA

Counseling center

Paid time off

On-site parking

Pet insurance

Job summary

Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, invites applications for a hybrid computational-experimental Postdoctoral Associate role focused on designing proteins and peptides that function within cellular lipid membranes. The lab develops software to encode protein structure and interactions in lipid environments and aims to create new chemical matter for membrane proteins with therapeutic potential.

Ideal candidates will have experience in membrane protein biochemistry, molecular modeling, and

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant biomedical field required.
• Strong motivation, independence, and communication skills.
• Experience with membrane protein biology or cryo-EM is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize proteins and peptides for membrane environments.
• Develop computational tools for de novo protein design.
• Collaborate on experimental validation in lab.

Skills

Membrane protein biochemistry

Molecular modeling

Protein design

Cell & molecular biology

Cryo-EM experience

AI/ML experience

Education

PhD in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular biology, or biophysics

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.

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

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 or