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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:

Postdoctoral Associate positions are available in the Liu Lab at Scripps Research. We are a new lab in the Department of Chemistry conducting research at the interface of natural product chemistry and synthetic biology. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate with a strong background in nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) engineering, synthetic biology, or chemical/biomolecular engineering to join our team.

In particular, our lab integrates tools from enzymology, pathway engineering, and directed evolution to unlock the biosynthetic potential of NRPS systems, with a focus on enabling access to structurally diverse and bioactive polypeptides. The successful candidate will lead efforts in NRPS pathway reconstruction, module/domain engineering, and high-throughput screening to discover and develop next-generation peptide therapeutics with applications in antimicrobial resistance and cancer.

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.

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

REQUIREMENTS: 

• A PhD (or equivalent) in biochemistry, chemical biology, synthetic biology, or a related field
• Expertise in NRPS biosynthesis, enzymatic reconstitution, or protein/strain engineering
• Demonstrated track record of independent research, scientific writing, and publication
• Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to work collaboratively and mentor junior scientists
• Candidates with additional experience in structural biology, high-throughput screening, or mass spectrometry-based metabolomics are especially encouraged to apply
• Independent fellowships and contributing to grant development is highly encouraged and fully supported.
  

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.
• 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.