Postdoctoral Position - Jiang Zhu Lab

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POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral Associate POSITION SUMMARY: Postdoctoral positions are available in Dr. Jiang Zhu's lab as a joint appointment in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology (ISCB) and the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research. We are seeking highly motivated candidates who are interested in vaccine development for viral pathogens such as HIV-1, HCV, Flu, SARS-CoV-1/2, MERS-CoV, Ebola/Marburg, RSV/hMPV, and ZIKV. Dr. Zhu's laboratory combines structure-based antigen design, protein nanoparticle engineering, animal immunization, single-cell technologies, and immunological assays to develop and evaluate next-generation vaccines. Multiple vaccine candidates are currently under clinical development with ongoing and planned phase-I human trials.

Research projects for this postdoctoral position will focus on the study of vaccine-induced adaptive immune responses and involve the use of single-cell technologies, such as antigen-specific single B-cell sorting by flow cytometry and single-cell immune profiling using 10X Chromium, antibody cloning and synthesis, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of B-cell repertoires.

Details of Dr. Zhu's laboratory, on-going research projects, and recent publications can be found at www.jzhulab.org. Dr. Zhu is also the co-founder of Uvax Bio LLC (www.uvaxbio.com), a vaccine biotechnology company that aims to address global health challenges with innovative vaccine solutions. An HIV-1 nanoparticle vaccine candidate developed by the Zhu lab is currently in the Phase 1 clinical trial in Australia (ANZCTR registration #: ACTRN12624000064505), which is sponsored by Uvax Bio. An NIH-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial is under preparation and is expected to take place in early 2025.

Candidates with prior experience and strong expertise in single-cell antibody technologies are especially encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should submit the following materials, preferably in a single PDF file, as part of the application.

1) Cover letter indicating current and future research interests

2) Expected starting date

3) Curriculum vitae

4) Brief summary of previous research experience (2-3 pages)

5) Names and contact information for 3 references.

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.

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REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a doctoral degree in molecular biology, immunology, or other related fields. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator.

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).
• 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.
• 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. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.