POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Andersen Lab - Immunology and Microbiology

Scripps Research • San Diego, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Andersen lab at Scripps Research is seeking a computational postdoctoral associate to work on diverse projects using genomics approaches and high-throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and associated outbreaks. The lab uses an integrated approach of field work, technology development, and computational biology. The ideal candidate will have experience 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. Experience in analyzing large-scale pathogen genomic datasets and leveraging LLMs for research and software development is a plus. This position is part of larger initiatives including the Center for Viral Systems Biology, Modjadji, PREVENT, and SEARCH. Candidates will be co-mentored by senior researchers in the Andersen lab, Dr. Karthik Gangavarapu and Dr. Joshua Levy. 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.

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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in analyzing large-scale pathogen genomic datasets.
• Fluency in leveraging LLMs for research and software development.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree