POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - LIU LAB - Chemistry

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POSITION TITLE:  Postdoctoral Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Postdoctoral Associate positions are available in the Liu Lab at Scripps Research. We are a new lab in the Department of Chemistry conducting research at the interface of natural product chemistry and synthetic biology. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate with a strong background in nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) engineering, synthetic biology, or chemical/biomolecular engineering to join our team.

In particular, our lab integrates tools from enzymology, pathway engineering, and directed evolution to unlock the biosynthetic potential of NRPS systems, with a focus on enabling access to structurally diverse and bioactive polypeptides. The successful candidate will lead efforts in NRPS pathway reconstruction, module/domain engineering, and high-throughput screening to discover and develop next-generation peptide therapeutics with applications in antimicrobial resistance and cancer.

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.

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

REQUIREMENTS: 

• A PhD (or equivalent) in biochemistry, chemical biology, synthetic biology, or a related field
• Expertise in NRPS biosynthesis, enzymatic reconstitution, or protein/strain engineering
• Demonstrated track record of independent research, scientific writing, and publication
• Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to work collaboratively and mentor junior scientists
• Candidates with additional experience in structural biology, high-throughput screening, or mass spectrometry-based metabolomics are especially encouraged to apply
• Independent fellowships and contributing to grant development is highly encouraged and fully supported.
  
  

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 $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 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).
• 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 stateme