Postdoctoral Associate - Yang Lab - Integrative Structural & Computational Biology

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 Xiang-Lei Yang Lab at Scripps Research seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how a tRNA synthetase links nutrient sensing to translational control in pancreatic β-cells. The project aims to define the mechanisms of translational control that enable cells to adapt to metabolic stress, with a focus on pancreatic β-cells and insulin-responsive tissues. By integrating mouse models, primary cells and tissues, and multi-omics approaches, the research seeks to uncover fundamental mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation and diabetes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigate cellular responses to metabolic stress, with a focus on pancreatic β-cells and insulin-responsive tissues, using mouse models and primary cells.
• Define the molecular mechanisms of translational regulation through biochemical assays, polysome profiling, and integrated omics approaches.
• Design and lead experiments, analyze data, publish findings, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to mentoring junior researchers.

Include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references on your application.

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.

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/

The Yang Laboratory, in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at Scripps Research, investigates the diverse functions of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) beyond their canonical roles in protein synthesis. Our research explores how these essential enzymes regulate cellular signaling, metabolism, and human physiology, and how their dysfunction contributes to diseases, including neurological, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders. By integrating structural biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and animal models, we aim to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms and identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a related field , or equivalent degree from a recognized institution of higher learning. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with mouse models, primary tissues, or metabolic phenotyping
• Experience with islet biology, diabetes, or metabolism research
• Experience with tRNA synthetases, RNA biology, or translational control
• Experience with translation assays, including polysome or ribosome profiling
• Experience with or interest in transcriptomic and proteomic data analysis.

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 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.