Postdoctoral Associate- Disney Lab
POSITION TITLE:
Postdoctoral Associate - Disney Lab
POSITION SUMMARY:
Effective immediately, the Disney group in the Department of Chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute (disneylaboratory.org) is seeking to hire multiple Postdoctoral Fellows in RNA Chemical Biology.
Scripps Research, one of the largest private non-profit biomedical research institutes in the world, comprises two linked campuses in Florida and California. New Fellows will conduct studies in drug discovery & development alongside over 200 internationally renowned faculty, contributing to Scripps’ reputation as the top-ranked stand-alone institute for biomedical research in the United States (Nature Index, 2019).
Lab Overview:
The Disney group is a chemical biology laboratory focused on developing rational approaches to design highly selective therapeutics from only genome sequence. Known for its prolific output and pioneering research culture, the group has furthered advancements in annotating RNA structure from sequence alongside several novel technologies created in-house. The laboratory’s targeting of RNA by small molecules, an ambitious and highly focused enterprise in pursuit of chemical probe and lead medicine development, is summarized in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (2019) 141:6776-6790.
Other representative publications from the Disney group include:
• Studying disease mediated by RNA repeat expansions that cause genetically defined ALS and dementia:
o Neuron (2014) 83:1043-50
o Cell Chemical Biology (2019) 26:179-190
• Targeted RNA degradation and related technologies:
o Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2020) 117:2406-2411
o Journal of the American Chemical Society (2018) 140:6741-6744
o Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2019) 116:7799-7804.
o Nature Chemical Biology (2017) 13:188-193
• Precision targeted therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers and other diseases:
o Journal of the American Chemical Society (2019) 141:2960-2974
o Cell Chemical Biology (2018) 25:1086-1094
o Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2016) 113:5898-903
o Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2020) 117:1457-1467.
Our Commitment: The Disney group is highly committed to each individual’s professional development during his or her time in the lab. A high impact research project and training plan to support the achievement of short-term as well as long-term career goals is customized for each student.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
- Design and implement research protocols; design safety procedures; adapt new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures.
- Oversee media preparation, animal maintenance and equipment maintenance; quality control analysis of reagents.
- Collect, prepare and analyze research data; keep a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data; maintain computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
- Supervise other personnel in the laboratory to coordinate research efforts for increased efficiency; participate in training of fellows, residents, students and volunteer workers as needed.
- Search pertinent scientific literature as needed.
- Assist with ordering and procurement of supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of laboratory.
- Work closely with graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to joint projects;
- Participates with teaching and outreach activities and programs;
- Presents and publishes research findings at conferences and peer reviewed publications;
- Prepares progress reports for the funding sources;
- Seeks external funding to support and expand research.
Contact: Applicants should send their CV and have three letters of reference sent on their behalf directly to Prof. Matthew Disney at disney@scripps.edu.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualified applicants should have completed a relevant Ph.D. degree in structural biology, chemical biology, or organic/medicinal chemistry. Highly motivated candidates possessing a strong academic track-record, a high-impact publication list, a team-player mentality, and an interest in targeting the RNA world are poised for success in the group. The Disney group employs a broad range of experimental techniques, and thus a diverse set of research skills is preferable and a willingness to learn new methods is essential.
PREFERRED QUALIFICAITONS:
Preference will be given to candidates with strong skills in RNA biology techniques, molecular biology, and biochemical methods. Previous experience with RNA-seq data analysis, DNA encoded library design and screening, and structure-based design is also desirable.
COMPENSATION:
Commensurate with experience.
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:
Scripps is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
COVID-19 update:
The safety and well-being of our candidates, our people and their families continues to be a top priority. Until restrictions change, interviews will be conducted virtually. New hires will work remotely, unless specifically authorized for campus access.