The Briney Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join us in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research. We use a combination of advanced single cell multi-omics techniques and sophisticated computational tools to deeply explore the antibody response to emerging infectious diseases. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will contribute to antibody discovery projects against a variety of viral targets, including Lassa, Ebola, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza and others. The antibodies we discover have potential use as therapeutics or as templates for rational vaccine development.
Because we tightly integrate wet-lab experimentation and bioinformatics into all of our projects, a substantial portion of your time will be spent using and developing computational tools for analyzing vast single cell multi-omics datasets. Programming experience is a major plus (we primarily use Python), but don’t worry if you’re new to programming — we’re happy to teach you! Skilled experimental immunologists with an interest in computational immunology are always welcome.
We work with several pathogens that are typically found only in West and Central Africa, so members from our group regularly travel to Sierra Leone to collect and process samples, bring equipment and reagents, and train local scientists. Although travel to Africa is completely optional, it’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the people most affected by the hemorrhagic fever viruses we study, and it’s a life-changing trip!
To apply, please submit a CV/Biosketch and a Cover Letter addressing the following questions:
- How does your research experience make you an ideal fit for our lab?
- What will you bring to our group that is completely unique (in terms of background, experience, skills, etc)?
- What are your long-term professional goals, and how can we help you progress toward accomplishing those goals?
- Why do you think you will be exceptionally successful in this role?
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Create novel single cell B multi-omics techniques, both experimental and computational
- Lead the discovery and functional evaluation of large numbers of pathogen-specific monoclonal antibodies
- Perform next-generation sequencing experiments using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore systems
- Generate and analyze extremely large multi-omics datasets of humoral immune responses to infection and/or vaccination
- Present work at lab meetings and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
- Work closely with other Briney Lab members and our collaborators
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in immunology, genetics, biology or related discipline is required
- We are a highly collaborative group and members of several scientific consortia, so the ability to work productively with our collaborative partners is essential
- Strong background in immunology, specifically immunogenetics of adaptive immune receptor repertoires, is strongly preferred
- Experience programming in Python is preferred but not required
- FACS experience is preferred but not required
- Demonstrated productivity with a strong publication record in high-quality journals
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Outstanding organizational skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment
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 $68,000- $73,230. 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 three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
- Remote/Hybrid/Flexible work schedules (Dependent on role).
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
- Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
- Free, on-site parking
