STAFF SCIENTIST - Mravic Lab

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: Staff Scientist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mravic Laboratory is recruiting an interdisciplinary staff scientist trained in chemical and structural biology to lead and manage cutting-edge projects using computational design and screening to produce proteins/peptides that modulate structures and functions of cellular membrane proteins. The role will include implementing cell biology assays measuring protein-protein interactions and changes in cellular signaling, trafficking, and protein function, alongside membrane protein biochemistry to purify biomolecular complexes for structural biology (cryo-EM). The candidate will lead projects, manage projects, coordinate with internal or external collaborator, establish protocols, and train lab members to characterize the biophysical and cellular effects of engineered transmembrane (TM) polypeptides, aimed at probing membrane protein biochemical mechanism for new therapeutic opportunities. There is opportunity to gain or enhance skills in molecular modeling and computational protein design including AI/L tools to engineer new synthetic peptide/protein complexes of medical relevance. A successful candidate will be self-led and able to work both independently and collaboratively to lead research projects, analyze data and interpret results. The right candidate will be highly interdisciplinary and adaptable, with a willingness to collaborate with other lab groups across on a wide range of projects and enthusiastically mentor junior lab members in research skills/techniques.

The ideal candidate will bring technical experience in some of the following areas and a strong interest in developing expertise in the others: membrane protein biochemistry, molecular biology, mammalian tissue culture, cell signaling/functional assay implementation, and structural biology (cryo-EM). This role offers the opportunity to apply existing research expertise while building hands-on knowledge in chemical matter discovery and development within a collaborative research environment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work independently to design, execute, analyze, interpret and troubleshoot scientific experiments in cell biology assays, molecular biology, membrane protein biochemistry, and structural biology.
• Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner to research leadership.
• Train and mentor junior lab members in standard protocols and relevant lab techniques.
• Communicate effectively with peers, internal or external collaborators, and supervisors foster teamwork and contribute to collaborative efforts.
• Strong commitment to quality in research and presentation.
• Implement robust recombinant protein expression and purification workflows for synthetic proteins and mammalian membrane proteins in suitable heterologous host organisms (e.g. bacterial, insect, human).
• Characterize biochemical and biophysical properties of candidate synthetic proteins and interactions with target membrane proteins' stability and structure in vitro.
• Execute protein-protein interaction assays and develop signaling/activity assays (signaling, trafficking) in cultured mammalian cell lines.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. in an appropriate scientific discipline required. Minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience.
• A strong track record of research productivity as evidenced by high-impact publications and/or patents.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATONS:

Experience and prior skill sets should include:

• Core knowledge of protein production and construct engineering, focused on membrane proteins (expression, purification, characterization)
• Experience in cryo-EM of membrane proteins
• Experience with plasmid cloning
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and cell transfection (HEK293)
• Experience with western blots, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy
• Experience in implementing diverse cell-based signaling assays and characterizing protein-protein interactions
• Experience with characterizing interaction protein complexes and protein stability by in vitro biophysics (e.g. F-SEC).

Additional experience that would be considered a plus (but not required):

• Prior work with molecular modeling, simulations, and computational protein design
• Prior work with directed evolution, variant library screening, and selection strategies
• Prior work with chemical biology and handling of peptides (e.g. LC-MS, synthesis, bioconjugation)
• Prior work with NanoBit assays and Co-immunoprecipitation
• Experience with computational protein design and variant library screening
• Research experience with AI/ML protein design, cell signaling assays for GPCRs, and/or protein engineering screens/selections are highly desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position works in a laboratory environment.
• Details 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 $109,200 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE: