Staff Scientist (Virology)

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 are celebrating 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.  We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to 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.

 

Celebrating a Century:  https://100.scripps.edu/

 

POSITION TITLE:  Staff Scientist (Virology)

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The successful candidate will lead a team – including research assistants, graduate students and postdocs – focused on investigating critical molecular circuits at the viral-host interface, establishing mechanistic, in vivo, and clinical understanding of the role of these interactions in disease, and identifying novel targets for the development of next-generation therapies targeting viruses of pandemic concern. The Staff Scientist will play an important intellectual, technical and scientific role in leading and expanding projects in this area, and will interface with external collaborators while mentoring direct reports. They will also lead grant-writing and manuscript-writing efforts. This is a fully supported, non-tenure track position.

 

 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate and execute laboratory research in a timely manner and develop strategies to discover innovative antivirals.
• Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions.
• Maintain broad knowledge of virology and large-scale technologies (proteomics/chemoproteomics, RNAi/CRISPR, chemical biology, NextGen Sequencing, etc.).
• Adhere to the safety regulations to handle BSL2- and BSL3-level viruses, human primary cells, and cell lines.
• Accurate data analysis using Excel, Prism, and other tools, and lab notebook documentation.
• Preparation of reports and presentation of research results at regular team meetings.
• Make contributions to scientific manuscripts, grant applications, and publications at conferences.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. degree and 3+ years of postdoctoral experience in biological science is required.
• Strong background in virology or related field is preferred.
• Functional genomics and bioinformatics experience are a plus.
• Strong track record of high-impact publications.
• Ability to work with academic and industry collaborators.
• Ability to manage and mentor a team.
• Independently develop and implement new projects and establish enabling collaborations.
• Prepare grant applications and manuscripts.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers.

​PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position works in an office environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

 

LOCATION: La Jolla, California 

 

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $78,000 to $90,272 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

 

 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.