Postdoctoral Fellow / Staff Scientist

SAN-Diego-Biomed; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Paid time off

Retirement plan match

Job summary

San Diego BioMed in San Diego, CA, seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher (or Staff Scientist) to lead MINFLUX nanoscopy studies of NK cell synapses for an NIH‑funded project on HIV Env presentation and ADCC. The role involves method development with the Microscopy Core and Abberior, training team members, and driving first‑author publications.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in immunology/biophysics or related field, strong imaging skills, and the ability to design experiments and work

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (awarded or expected within six months) in immunology, biophysics, cell biology or a related field.
• Publication record and ability to work independently.
• Experience with quantitative imaging is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell culture and isolate primary NK cells from donor material.
• Design and prepare imaging samples for MINFLUX/STED/confocal imaging.
• Collect, optimize, and troubleshoot microscopy data across modalities.
• Analyze single-molecule localization data using Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Collaborate with Microscopy Core and Abberior to extend MINFLUX capabilities.
• Present data at lab meetings and contribute to manuscripts.

Skills

Light microscopy experience

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Independent work

Strong communication

Python/R/MATLAB scripting

Education

Ph.D. in immunology/biophysics/cell biology

Tools

MINFLUX microscopy

Confocal microscopy

STED

PALM/STORM

Job description

About San Diego BioMed:

San Diego BioMed (SDB) is a nonprofit biomedical research institute located in San Diego, California. The mission of SDB is to conduct fundamental biomedical research to better understand human disease, and to use this information to contribute to the treatment and prevention of diabetes, cancer, neurological disease, HIV infection and complications of chronic disease. The Principal Investigators at SDB are accomplished scientists and well‑known and recognized in their areas of expertise. SDB is located in the heart of San Diego’s science park area, which is part of the largest and most concentrated centers of science, engineering, and medicine in the United States. Further information on SDB can be found at https://sdbri.org.

Position and Project Overview:

The Murin Lab (www.murinlab.com) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (or Staff Scientist, for exceptionally qualified candidates) to spearhead super‑resolution imaging studies applying MINFLUX nanoscopy to the natural killer (NK) cell lytic synapse. Our laboratory studies how antibodies recruit and engage effector cells, combining super‑resolution and single‑molecule fluorescence microscopy with structural biology, real‑time cytotoxicity assays, and protein engineering to define the molecular rules governing immune synapse organization and antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The selected candidate will drive the imaging arm of an NIH‑funded project on HIV‑1 Envelope glycoprotein (Env) presentation and NK cell ADCC.

MINFLUX achieves single‑molecule localization precision approaching 1 nanometer, an order of magnitude beyond conventional super‑resolution methods, and very few laboratories worldwide are applying it to immune cell biology. So rather than executing established protocols, the candidate will develop the methods themselves in close partnership with the Scripps Research Microscopy Core and with Abberior application scientists, who will provide direct MINFLUX training. We are looking for someone energized rather than daunted by that prospect, and who wants to build their own research niche toward an independent academic career or a leadership role in industry.

Essential Job Duties:

• Maintain mammalian cell culture and isolate primary NK cells from donor material
• Design and prepare imaging samples
• Collect, optimize, and troubleshoot confocal, STED, and MINFLUX nanoscopy data
• Extract, process, and analyze single‑molecule localization data using scripting (Python, R, or MATLAB)
• Work closely with the Scripps Research Microscopy Core and with Abberior representatives to build and extend technical expertise on the MINFLUX platform
• Meet regularly with the Principal Investigator to interpret data, design experiments, and set project direction
• Provide training and mentorship of undergraduate students and research technicians as needed
• Prepare figures, present at lab meetings and conferences, and lead the writing of first‑author manuscripts
• Contribute to grant reporting and to preliminary data for future funding applications
• Perform other duties as may be required

Note: This lab is committed to career development. For postdocs, the Principal Investigator will work with you on fellowship and grant applications (F32, K99/R00, and foundation awards, as appropriate), conference presentations, manuscript preparation, and the transition to next career steps. Staff scientist candidates will be expected to provide some level of long‑term commitment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (awarded or expected within six months) in immunology, biophysics, cell biology or a related field
• 0‑3 years postdoc experience, or 4+ years postdoc experience to be considered for Staff Scientist
• Hands‑on experience with light microscopy or another quantitative imaging modality is ideal but not required
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology
• A record of research productivity (first author publications, conference presentations)
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative working style

Preferred Qualifications (preference given to these candidates):

• Experience with confocal microscopy and/or super‑resolution microscopy (MINFLUX, STED, PALM/STORM)
• Experience with single‑molecule localization, cluster analysis, or spatial statistics
• Background in NK cell biology, Fc effector functions, or HIV‑1 biology (or related disciplines)
• Experience with recombinant protein expression/purification, bioconjugation, biophysics techniques
• Experience with flow cytometry, in vitro assays, and primary human cell handling

Note: We do not expect any candidate to arrive with all of these. We are far more interested in solid imaging or biophysics experience paired with a real appetite for learning a new technique.

Pay Range:

• Postdoctoral Researcher: $72,400-$77,000 annually. Appropriate for upcoming or recent Ph.D. graduates with zero to three years of postdoctoral experience.
• Staff Scientist: $85,000-$90,000 annually. Appropriate for candidates with four or more years of relevant post‑Ph.D. experience who are highly qualified for this specific position, particularly those with established expertise in advanced fluorescence microscopy or single‑molecule imaging.

Benefits:

San Diego BioMed offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long‑term disability, paid time off, and a generous employer match to the retirement plan. The work environment at San Diego BioMed is one that fosters and promotes collaboration and inclusivity.

SDBRI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity in regard to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting the most qualified individuals, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, registered domestic partner status, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, age, disability, protected veteran status, medical condition including genetic characteristics, or any other protected status as designed by federal, state, or local law.