Associate Director Vivarium Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT US:
Calibr-Skaggs, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Calibr-Skaggs was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral Associate, Cell Biology & Chemical Biology

POSITION SUMMARY:

The candidate will join an early-stage discovery research group at Calibr-Skaggs. Under guidance and in collaboration with others the candidate will perform research in the areas of biochemistry and protein engineering. Specifically, the candidate will discover, characterize, and optimize toxin-neutralizing antibodies and monobodies for human therapeutic use. The drug discovery pipeline at Calibr-Skaggs spans early discovery to IND, and the candidate will be engaged throughout this process.  A successful candidate will be self-led and able to work both independently and collaboratively to lead research projects, analyze data and interpret results. The right candidate will be adaptable with a willingness to collaborate with others on a wide range of projects, and enthusiastically learn new skills/techniques.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work within discovery project teams and with scientists across different functional areas and be expected to present her or his work at project team meetings and to research leadership
• Work independently to design, execute, analyze, interpret and troubleshoot scientific experiments in molecular biology and biochemistry
• Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner to research leadership
• Communicate effectively with peers and supervisors, foster teamwork and contribute to collaborative efforts
• Strong commitment to quality in research and presentation
• Develop and implement robust bacterial protein expression and purification workflows
• Characterize biochemical and biophysical properties of candidate antibody/monobody therapeutics
• Establish biochemical and cell-based enzymatic activity and protein-protein interaction assays

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates should possess strong foundational research skills, along with a solid understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, and related biological techniques, including assay development. Experience with directed evolution techniques is a plus but is not required. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to apply their research expertise while developing knowledge and hands-on experience in drug discovery and development within a collaborative research environment.

Experience and prior skill sets should include:

• Core knowledge of protein engineering (expression, purification, characterization)
• Experience with plasmid cloning
• Experience with western blots and/or ELISA
• Experience with FRET assays
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and cell transfection (HEK293)
• Experience with HPLC and LC-MS
• Experience in drug discovery and an understanding of protein-protein interactions

Additional experience that would be considered a plus (but not required):

• Prior work with animal models
• Prior work with directed evolution strategies
• Prior work with primary mammalian cells

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, or related area or an equivalent combination of education and training.
• A strong track record of research productivity.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. 
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

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 per year. 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.