POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Andersen Lab - Immunology and Microbiology

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:

The Andersen lab is working on diverse projects using genomics approaches and high-throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and associated outbreaks. We use an integrated approach of 'field' work, technology development, and computational biology to investigate these viruses.

We are looking for a computational postdoc with experience and/or interest in developing AI-enabled large-scale surveillance tools that integrate genomic data with functional in vitro and in silico readouts, including high-throughput deep mutational scanning, and deploying these tools through outbreak.info. Ideal candidates will have a background in developing or applying genomic epidemiology to understand outbreaks. Experience in analyzing large-scale pathogen genomic datasets, and fluency in leveraging LLMs for research and software development is a plus. This position is part of our larger initiatives, including the Center for Viral Systems Biology (https://cvisb.org/), Modjadji (https://modjadji.info/), PREVENT (https://preventcohorts.org), and SEARCH (https://searchcovid.info/). Candidates will be co-mentored by senior researchers in the Andersen lab, Dr. Karthik Gangavarapu and Dr. Joshua Levy.

Tasks will include:

• Develop novel methods to integrate large-scale genomic surveillance with in vitro and in silico functional data, including deep mutational scanning.
• Deploy these methods through outbreak.info for real-time outbreak tracking.
• Design novel AI-assisted strategies to improve the speed and accuracy of outbreak detection and monitoring.

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.

Scripps Research adheres to the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") and National Science Foundation ("NSF") definition of a Postdoctoral Scholar: An individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored, advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.

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

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. in computational biology, epidemiology, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from a recognized institution of higher learning. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with the approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with and mentor junior scientists and students.

APPLY: Interested candidates should apply, including a cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Before applying, please make sure to read our FAQ: https://andersen-lab.com/about#faq.

COMPENSATION: Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institutes 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 orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.