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Postdoctoral Openings

Effective 10/1/2023, the University shall implement the below salary scale. Salary is determined by postdoctoral experience.

University salary pay scale
Experience Level Months Annual
0 0-11 $64,480
1 12-23 $66,868
2 24-35 $69,342
3 36-47 $71,908
4 48-59 $74,569
5 60-72 $77,327

Indigenous Partnerships In Climate Adaptation

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Division/Research Unit

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

Description

The Cleland lab at the University of California, San Diego seeks an outstanding postdoctoral scholar to join our research group. This scholar will work with the newly established Wildland-Urban Interface Climate Action Network. WUICAN is a multidisciplinary team of researchers with the shared goal of co-creating knowledge and climate solutions that ensure a resilient relationship between society and wild landscapes. In collaboration this team, the postdoctoral scholar will lead a project that supports opportunities for community groups to partner with universities and land managers to take collaborative actions around climate adaptation. This project will focus on wetland restoration in a UC Natural Reserve.

We are seeking independent, passionate, and highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position in coastal resilience and restoration. Research in the Cleland lab focuses on plant responses to global changes, including climate change and invasion by exotic species, as well as restoration to mitigate these changes. The successful candidate will coordinate activities with our community partners, engage in collaborative research, and communicate results to a broad audience. This project is a collaboration across three academic institutions and many community groups, providing opportunities to learn from diverse voices and disciplines. Salary depends on prior experience, and salary scales can be found at the top of this page.

Applicant Requirements

Requirements include:

  • Ph.D. in the biological or environmental sciences
  • Knowledge of coastal/wetland ecology
  • Climate adaptation strategies and approaches for inquiry in this field
  • Evidence of past engagement with community partners

A track record of academic pulishing preferred. Skills in collaboration are essential.

How to Apply

This is a two-year position, including full benefits and opportunities for professional development. Applicants should send an email with the subject “climate adaptation postdoc” to Prof. Cleland (ecleland@ucsd.edu) along with:

  • CV
  • Statement of relevant research experience/interests
  • Contact information for three references

Applications submitted by October 15th, 2023 will receive priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Start date is ideally November 15th 2023 but is flexible. Our lab is growing and includes individuals with a wide range of interests, come join us!

Pathogenic Bacteria / Brain Infections

Description

We are actively recruiting for a post doctoral position available immediately at UC San Diego. The project focuses on understanding how pathogenic bacteria cause brain infections, including meningitis, in zebrafish larvae and humans. The project is funded by NIH’s New Innovator Award and the Pew Biomedical Scholars Award. The goal is to use single nuclei RNAseq, in addition to other methods, to define the host genes that contribute to brain invasion in diverse cell populations in the zebrafish brain, including neuron subsets, endothelial cells, microglia, astrocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. These studies will contribute to a holistic understanding of pathogen invasion and inflammatory response, and provide mechanistic clues for invasion mechanisms. We use clinical isolates of human meningitis-causing pathogens for this work to ensure we are working with neuroinvasive strains. We use a variety of approaches including live confocal imaging, RNAseq, CRISPR/Cas gene editing in vivo and transgenesis in vivo. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with the ability to work independently. Using zebrafish to model human disease is a relatively new field, with the potential for making novel discoveries and launching an independent career.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent title in biology and have a demonstrated record of productivity.

How to apply

Email Dr. Cressida Madigan (cmadigan@ucsd.edu) Email applications should include:

  • A cover letter describing research experience and interests
  • CV
  • Contact information for three references

Postdoctoral Position: Adaptive Potential of California Poppy

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Division/Research Unit

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

Description

The Cleland lab at the University of California, San Diego seeks an outstanding postdoctoral scholar to join our research group. Research in our lab evaluates plant responses to global change at multiple scales. We rely on the unifying concept of plant functional traits, that reflect trade-offs in ecological and evolutionary strategies, and integrate the responses of species to their environment.

We are seeking independent, passionate, and highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position to study the adaptive potential of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) to climate change, including drought. The successful candidate will participate in monitoring California demography across California, and take leadership on a common garden experiment to quantify adaptive potential and traits across populations. This project is a collaboration across three institutions, and offers the opportunity to collaborate with researchers on population genomics and species distribution modeling.

Applicant Requirements

Requirements include:

  • Ph.D. in the biological sciences
  • Knowledge of evolutionary ecology and relevant statistical approaches for inquiry in this field
  • Evidence of past success in academic research publishing

Experience with field studies of demography and/or controlled breeding greenhouse experimentation preferred. Our field sites are beautiful, but are sometimes remote. To access these sites, applicants must have:

  • A valid drivers license
  • Be able to lift up to forty pounds
  • Be able to hike up to four miles

Applicants must also be comfortable working in areas that can experience high temperatures, and where organisms such as rattlesnakes and spiny/irritating plants can be part of the natural landscape. Skills in collaboration and communication are essential.

How to Apply

This is a two-year position, including full benefits and opportunities for professional development. Salary will be competitive and dependent on the level of experience. Applicants should send an email with the subject link "poppy postdoc" to Prof. Cleland (ecleland@ucsd.edu) along with:

  • CV
  • statement of relevant research experience/interests
  • Contact information for three references

Applications submitted by July 15th, 2023 will receive priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Start date is ideally September 1st 2023 but is flexible. Our lab is growing and will include individuals with a wide range of interests by fall 2023, come join us!

Neuroscience and Organic Chemistry

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department/Research Unit

Neurobiology

Description

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Matthew Banghart in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California San Diego.

Neuroscience Fellows are sought to work on two overlapping projects. Our Neuropeptide Release research program aims to identify cellular mechanisms governing neuropeptide secretion from mammalian central neurons. Our Pain Modulation research program aims to uncover the neural circuits that support top-down pain modulation (e.g., placebo analgesia) and the actions of pharmacological pain-killers such as opioid analgesics. These research programs intersect, as neuropeptide signaling is central to pain processing and its modulation. Please see the lab website for more information

Approaches employed include brain slice electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging in brain slices, in vivo fiber photometry (with genetically-encoded optical neuropeptide and Ca2+ sensors), in vivo single cell Ca2+ imaging, in vivo photo-uncaging of drugs and neuropeptides, and automated measurement of pain-related behavior in mice.

In addition, an Organic Chemistry Fellow is sought to work on the development of light-activated drugs and neuropeptides that will drive studies into the neural mechanisms of peptide signaling and drug action. A major goal is to improve the in vivo compatibility of photochemical caging groups that can be used for photopharmacology in behaving mice, and eventually, in humans.

Funding is available but fellows will be encouraged to apply for fellowships and mentored through the process.

The Banghart Lab is located in the Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior (CNCB). The UCSD Neuroscience community is a vibrant and stimulating group comprised of labs from multipple departments, and includes labs from the nearby Salk and Scripps Research Institutes. We are proud to work in a highly interactive research environment that embrances diversity and work-life balance in addition to scientific excellence. These positions will offer opportunities to write grants, train students and present findings at professional conferences.

Qualifications

Neuroscience Postdocs

  • Candidates must have a PhD in Neuroscience or a related discipline
  • Substantial experience with electrophysiology, flourescence imaging, or rodent behavioral analysis
  • Experience in pain research would be advantageous

Organic Chemistry Postdoc

  • PhD in chemistry
  • Strong record in small molecule synthesis
  • Additional knowledge in photochemistry and/or peptide synthesis would be advantageous

How to Apply

Applicants should send their CV, a brief (1 page max) statement on background and interests, and contact information for at least two references to Dr. Banghart at mbanghart@ucsd.edu

Postdoctoral Position: Molecular Biology

Description

We are actively recruiting for multiple postdoctoral positions available immediately at UC San Diego to work in a highly collaborative consortium to study nucleus forming Pseudomonas phage. This project is funded by the HHMI Emerging Pathogens initiative and combines an extensive range of expertise to understand how these phage replicate and interact with host cells with the goal of creating designer phage for phage therapy. We are seeking highly-motivated and passionate individuals to work across many disciplines and scales, ranging from structural studies of individual proteins to clinical applications through UC San Diego's Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH). Post docs will interact broadly with consortium members from the labs of Elizabeth Villa, Kevin Corbett, Kit Pogliano, David Pride, Justin Meyer, and Joe Pogliano at UC San Diego, John Glass at the Venter institute, and Paul Turner at Yale. Postdocs have the opportunity for training in a wide range of technologies, including synthetic biology, cryo-electron microscopy, flourescence microscopy, CRISPR/Cas gene editing tools, proteomics, RNA seq, and evolutionary biology. The "phage nucleus" is a new field of biology with a high potential for making novel discoveries and launching an independent career.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent title in biology and have a demonstrated record of productivity.

How to Apply

Please email Dr. Joe Pogliano (jpogliano@ucsd.edu) and Dr. Elizabeth Villa (evilla@ucsd.edu) to apply. Email applications should include

  • Cover letter describing research experience and interests
  • CV
  • The names and contact information of three references

Evaluation will begin immediately by UC San Diego consortium members (Elizabeth Villa, Kevin Corbett, Kit Pogliano, David Pride, Justin Meyer, John Glass, and Joe Pogliano) and will continue until the positions are filled. UCSD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Postdoctoral Position: Biology Education Research

Description

The "Show Me the Data" Team, a group of cross-UC researchers at UC San Diego and UC Riverside, is inviting applications for two Full-Time Post-Doctoral Researchers. One Post-Doctoral Researcher will be based at UC San Diego, and one Post-Doctoral Researcher will be based at UC Riverside. The postdocs will join a new project funded by a 5-year NSF I-USE Transformations grant (PIs: Melinda Owens, Richard Edwards; co-PIs: Claire Meaders, Annie S. Ditta). This project brings together researchers who are interested in understanding the ways in which university instructors make use of teaching observation data and how such data may be used to promote long-lasting changes in teaching of STEM courses (e.g., promote increased use of high-impact practices in the classroom). The Post-Doctoral Researchers will have the exciting opportunity to work with the Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs) at UC San Diego and UC Riverside to build their skills in teaching observation protocols, survey and interview instrument construction, and qualitative and quantitative data analytical methods.

Each Post-Doctoral Researcher will be an active member of a team, working collaboratively with PIs Owens and Richards and co-PIs Meaders and Ditta, as well as the other Post-Doctoral Researcher and graduate and undergraduate students at both the home and the other grant site. Each Post-Doctoral Researcher will work closely with the 2 campus research teams to coordinate with site PIs on: 1) developing survey instruments to assess meaning-making from teaching observation data, 2) receiving and providing training in the use of teaching observation protocols, and 3) coordinating teaching observations and pre- and post-observation interviews. Each Post-Doctoral Researcher will take a lead role in data collection at the home site and will be available to support data collection at the other site. The Post-Doctoral Researcher additionally will lead data analysis as data are collected. Time permitting, the postdoc will also be encouraged to develop and conduct independent research.

Minimum Requirements

  • PhD in a STEM discipline, science or STEM Education Research, psychology, or a related discipline
  • Experience or strong interest in science education research
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency with quantitative statistical analysis
  • Excellent organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience teaching using evidence-based teaching practices
  • Knowledge of or experience using teaching observations in STEM Education (Instructor Talk, COPUS, DART, CDOP)
  • Experience with teaching-related professional development
  • Experience with survey construction and validation
  • Proficiency with qualitative research methods
  • Commitment to helping the University of California serve minoritized students

Start Date

July 1, 2023 but negotiable

Modality

Mostly in-person, but remote work is possible for the first summer (2023)

Pay scale

Salary is commensurate with experience and based on the University of California pay scale.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter that includes:

  • Names of 3 references
  • CV
  • Statement of past research (1-2 pg)
  • Statement of Past/Present Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (1-2pgs)

Please mention your preferred campus in the cover letter and email all materials to Dr. Richard Edwards at redwards@ucr.edu

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Postdoctoral Position in the Smith Lab

Job Description

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates for a postdoctoral position in the Smith Lab at UC San Diego. The Smith lab is focused on providing mechanistic insights into the neurobiological relationships between social behavior, pain, and emotion, with an emphasis on identifying and dissecting the neural circuitry that is disrupted in disease models related to empathy, addiction, and depression. This includes investigating the neural mechanisms of empathy, and how social factors influence the experience of pain, emotional state, and drug use. Dr. Smith’s laboratory uses cutting-edge neuroscience techniques in rodent models to probe and manipulate neural activity in real-time.

Research Environment

The Smith Lab is part of the dynamic Neurobiology Section within the Division of Biological Sciences at UC San Diego. Postdoctoral researchers will receive supportive mentorship focused on developing independent projects and geared toward individual career goals. Our group is part of a large, neuroscience research community that includes labs at UC San Diego and the neighboring Salk Institute and Scripps Research Institute. Postdocs are encouraged to participate in the community-building activities on campus, including seminars and collaborative projects.

More Information

The Smith Lab San Diego

Relevant Recent Publications

  • Rein, B,* Jones, E.*, Tuy, S., Boustani, C., Johnson, JJ. and Smith, M.L. A protocol for the rapid social transfer of pain. STAR Protocols, 3(4): 101756.
  • Smith, M.L., Asada, N., Malenka, R.C. (2021) Anterior cingulate inputs to nucleus accumbens control the social transfer of pain and analgesia. Science, 371(6525) 153-159.
  • Smith, M.L., Hostetler, C., Heinricher, M.M. & Ryabinin, A.E. (2016) Social transfer of pain in mice. Science Advances, 2016;2: e1600855.

Location

La Jolla, CA

Qualifications

  • PhD in Neuroscience or related field
  • Some experience in Behavioral Neuroscience techniques using mice
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
  • Ability and desire to mentor junior scientists
  • Very organized
  • Detail-oriented
  • Excellent digital record-keeping skills
  • Enjoys working with others

To Apply

Email moniquesmith@ucsd.edu with

  • A cover letter that highlights your experience, contributions to science, and interests
  • CV
  • Names and contact information (email and phone) of at least 3 references

Postdoctoral Position joint UCSD-NYU

Group of researchers at UCSD/NYU

We are seeking a postdoc interested in a joint position in the Bhabha/Ekiert labs (NYU School of Medicine) and the Troemel Lab (UC San Diego). This project will be based in New York City, in the Bhabha and Ekiert labs, and will focus on a structural, biochemical and mechanistic understanding of the intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR), a stress/immune response discovered in the Troemel lab.

The Bhabha/Ekiert labs use structure-driven approaches to study bacteria, parasites, and host-pathogen interactions. You will be joining a diverse group of students, postdocs, and will work towards unraveling the structural basis of proteins important for the host response to infection. The Troemel lab focuses on studying the IPR in vivo in C. elegans. You will work in close collaboration with Emily and other Troemel lab members to gain a holistic understanding of the IPR pathway, and will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative team focused on understandiing a novel immune pathway in epithelial cells.

More information

Bhabha / Ekiert Lab

Troemel Lab

Location

Manhattan, New York City

Qualifications

  • PhD in biochemistry, structural biology or related field
  • Some experience in strctural biology
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
  • Willingness to travel to San Diego a few times a year to interact with collaborators in person
  • Ability and desire to mentor junior scientists
  • Very organized
  • Detail-oriented
  • Excellent digital record-keping skills
  • Enjoys working with others

To apply

Email belabrecruitment@gmail.com with

  • A cover letter that highlights your experience, contributions to science, and interests
  • CV
  • Names and contact information of 3 references

Postdoctoral Positions in the Oegema & Desai Labs

Description

Postdoctoral research positions are available in the Oegema & Desai labs (ODLab) within the School of Biological Sciences at UC San Diego. Research in the ODlab is focused on addressing mechanisms of cell division, with projects on chromosome segregation/kinetochores, spindle assembly/centrosomes, and cytokinesis, as well as projects on control of mitotic entry, surveillance, and progression. The lab is also focused on relating fundamental understanding to the diversity of division mechanisms in different cell types/tissues and to pursue therapeutic targeting of cell division in cancer. Motivated candidates with prior research experience in mechanistic cell biology, microscopy (fixed and live imaging) and biochemistry/proteomics will be mentored to develop independent research projects. See oegemadesailab.org for more information.

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in biology or related field; a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics or engineering will be considered with proper justification
  • No more than 2 years of previous postdoctoral research (i.e. within two years of doctoral degree conferment)
  • Experience with standard and emerging molecular biology approaches, microscopy, and biochemistry; experience with genome editing and cell engineering is desired but not required
  • Strong oral communication skills are required

Research Environment

The ODlab is part of the large and highly collaborative School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego. Successful applicants will join a dynamic research environment to lead an independent project related to cell division and cancer. Postdocs in the ODlab lab are also encouraged to participate in collaborative projects to both enhance their knowledgebase and expand their scientific network.

How to Apply

Please email odlabjobs@gmail.com to apply.

Email applications should include:

  • Cover letter summarizing previous research experience
  • Brief (<1 page) description of potential project interests and career goals
  • CV with complete publication list
  • Contact information for 3 referees

Postdoc in Neural Evolution and Development

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Division/Research Unit

Cell & Developmental Biology

Description

We seek an outstanding postdoctoral candidate to join the Perry lab at the University of California, San Diego. Our group uses genetic and genomic approaches to study the development and evolution of neural systems. We use the insect visual system as a model to understand how the genome encodes the complexity of the brain and nervous system. We are interested in the mechanisms that generate the exquisite diversity of ways in which animals perceive and interact with the world.

We are seeking independent, passionate, and highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position to study the  evolution and development of butterfly color vision . Butterflies have more complex retinal mosaics, allowing for an increased number of color comparisons (see Perry et al. Nature 2016). A successful applicant will use CRISPR to test candidate gene function directly in developing butterfly retinas. We are interested in understanding how the brain interprets additional input and the role of developmental plasticity. This approach will, in part, use genetic tools in  Drosophila to understand relevant circuits. The lab also uses single cell sequencing (10x Genomics) to uncover differences in neural systems across species followed tests of candidate gene function.

Applicant Requirements

A Ph.D. in the biological sciences that includes at least three years of laboratory research experience in molecular or developmental biology is required. Experience with Drosophila or other genetic model systems is preferred but not required.

How to Apply

This is a renewable two-year position with full benefits, which will be extended as needed upon performance of the candidate. Salary will be competitive and dependent on the level of experience. Applicants should email a CV and a description of research interests to Prof. Perry (mwperry@ucsd.edu), along with contact information for three references. Applications submitted by July 15th, 2021 will receive priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Start date is flexible.

It is an incredibly exciting time to be a developmental biologist as new tools such as CRISPR and single cell sequencing allow us to move beyond model systems in order to ask targeted questions about the mechanisms that adapt animals to their unique environments. Apply and join the adventure!

Two fully-funded postdoctoral positions

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department

Molecular Biology

Description

Two fully-funded postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Maho Niwa in the Section of Molecular Biology at the University of California San Diego. The projects is interested in how eukaryotic cells handle non-genomic stress: (1) Specifically, how the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) responds to cellular stress such as increased demands for secretory protein or lipid production brought on by environmental challenge, injury or disease. This project focuses on the multi-dimensional Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) signaling pathway in normal and disease states. (2) Separately, we discovered and are focused on understanding the first cell cycle checkpoint that monitors the ER, termed the ER Surveillance Checkpoint (ERSU). The ERSU checkpoint ensures that the size and functional capacities of the ER expand to meet the challenge of supplying two dividing cells during the cell cycle. We have shown, for example, that stress activation of this cell cycle checkpoint (which is independent of the UPR) causes a halt in cytokinesis by negatively regulating the septin complex needed to physically separate mother from daughter cells in S. cerevisiae mitosis. We are investigating how ER stress pauses this cell cycle progression machinery, using molecular and cellular approaches in both yeast and mammalian models. (3) We further study inter-organellar communication between the ER and the cell nucleus, in a new project funded by an Allen Distinguished Investigator Grant geared to understanding the architectural and functional coordination between these vital organelles and how they change under stress. This is critically important in mammalian cells as the ER and nuclear membranes are contiguous at multiple contact points and, at the onset of mitosis, the nuclear envelope (NE) breaks down and all the integral nuclear membrane proteins move into the ER. Later, as nuclear membranes reform at the end of mitosis, the integral nuclear membrane proteins must be preferentially retrieved from the ER. Overall, failure of the ER to meet one or more of the challenges detailed above is an underlying cause of many human diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, we also use normal and disease models to dissect how the failure of the ER to make the needed changes in response to different stressors leads to human disease.

Applicants

  • Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in molecular biology or a related field.
  • Applicants should send the following information to mniwarosen@ucsd.edu
    • CV
    • Cover Letter summarizing how your expertise and interests fit with the lab projects
    • Contact information of 3 professional references

For additional information please visit the Niwa Lab Website

Proteostasis regulation in health and disease

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department

Cell & Development Biology

Description

A postdoctoral research position is available in the Bennett lab within the School of Biological Sciences at UCSD. Research in the Bennett lab utilizes integrative molecular, cellular, and proteomic approaches to both identify new factors within stress response and protein quality control pathways, and to manipulate these pathways to alter stress response outcomes. Our goal is to leverage our molecular understanding of these pathways to beneficially impact aging-associated disorders. The Bennett lab is looking to recruit motivated postdoctoral researchers with strong previous research experience in biochemistry and/or cell biology. Initial research goals will focus on emerging projects centered on understanding the spatial organization of quality control pathways and investigating tissue-specific protein homeostasis networks. Postdocs are also encouraged to develop independent research projects. See ebennettlab.com for more information about the research environment.

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in biology or related field.
  • No more than 2 years of previous postdoctoral research (i.e. within two years of doctoral degree conferment).
  • Experience with standard and emerging molecular biology approaches and cell engineering is desired but not required.
  • Existing knowledge of current proteomic technologies would be beneficial.
  • Strong oral communication skills are required.

Research Environment

The Bennett lab is part of the large and highly collaborative School of Biological Sciences at UCSD. Successful applicants will join a highly dynamic research group to serve as a project leader for an independent research project in the protein homeostasis research space. Postdocs in the Bennett lab also participate in collaborative research projects to both enhance their research knowledgebase and expand their scientific network.

How to apply:

Please email Eric Bennett at e1bennett@ucsd.edu to apply.

Email applications should include:

  • Cover letter summarizing previous research experiences.
  • CV with complete publication list.
  • Upon request, 3 letters of reference.

Viral populations and their interactions with cell intrinsic innate immunity

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department

Molecular Biology

Description

A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Alistair Russell in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. Our group seeks to understand how complex, genetically variable, viral populations interact with cell intrinsic innate immunity. We seek to understand the role of standing variation in viral populations with the elicitation of an immune response, as well as understand the tolerance of variation within viral populations with respect to the same phenomenon. Our group possess expertise in influenza A virus, but will be seeking to explore other viral pathogens of broad human interest. Studies in our group employ methodologies including deep mutational scanning, high-throughput sequencing, and single-cell transcriptomics coupled to single-cell viral genomics. Initial appointment for one year, renewable thereafter.

Description of environment

Russell lab is within the dynamic Biological Sciences department at UCSD, and postdoctoral trainees will have opportunities to both present at and attend seminars with other groups working on viral biology, immunology, and RNA biology. Our group resides within the newly-constructed Tata Hall and shares space with several other laboratories with which we have shared meetings. Our department at UCSD is highly collegial, with many opportunities for collaborations, both formal and informal. This is a mentored position, and it is expected that applicants will be seeking training in the foundational expertise of our group, as well as training and mentorship specific to their goals in career development.

What we’re looking for

  • PhD in biology or a related field
  • Experience in at least one of
    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Computational Biology
  • It is NOT expected applicants will have experience in all of the above, we are looking for a candidate who may be seeking training in at least one of the above fields, and would love to receive enthusiastic candidates looking to change fields
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Application Materials:

  • CV
  • Cover letter including a paragraph describing how your research interests fit with the job described
  • Contact information for 3 references
  • Email to: a5russell@ucsd.edu

Glial Development and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department

Neurobiology

Description:

A post-doctoral position is available in the Division of Biological Science, Neurobiology section at UCSD in the laboratory of Stacey Glasgow. The primary goal of the research in the laboratory is to study how transcriptional and chromatin mechanisms regulate glial cell development and glioma tumor biology. We utilize biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics, and chromatin conformation assays to address how developmental processes are reutilized during neurogenerative disease and malignancies.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biology, neuroscience or related fields. Candidates should have a strong background in molecular biology, animal models, and microscopy. Additional experience with developmental biology, cancer studies, and mouse surgery is desirable. The candidate will be expected to conduct an independent research project and work as part of a team.

How to Apply

Please email Stacey Glasgow Ph.D. at sglasgow@ucsd.edu with any questions and to apply. Email applications should include:

  • A cover letter that summarizes past research and how your interests fit with the lab.
  • CV with complete publication list.
  • Contact information for 3 references

Mechanistic Dissection of Protein Disposal Machineries

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department

Cell and Developmental Biology

Description

A post-doctoral position is available in the newly-established laboratory of Prof. Sonya Neal at the School of Biological Sciences of University of California San Diego (UCSD). We perform structural and biochemical analyses on cellular machineries involved in protein quality control through the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathway. ERAD is responsible for handling misfolded protein and protein assemblies to the cytosolic proteasome for degradation, a process that if impaired is strongly linked to neurodegenerative and protein misfolding diseases. We are using biochemistry, lipidomics, cell biology, and genetics to understand how rhomboid pseudoproteases remove multi-spanning membrane proteins from the ER lipid bilayer for targeted degradation by the cytosolic 26S proteasome. Studies will employ state-of-the-art tools for in vivo and in vitro manipulation of ERAD that has been developed by Dr. Neal (Molecular Cell, 2018).

What we offer

  • A stimulating environment with freedom to develop new research directions
  • Regular opportunities to interact with our collaborators at UCSD Medical School, Salk, Scripps Research Institute, and the Sanford-Burnham Institute
  • Opportunity to participate in ER Stress Club held at the Sanford-Burnham Institute
  • Supportive mentorship for multi-faceted career development and opportunities tailored towards individual career goals
  • An NIH funded position at NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels+benefits
  • A department located in a metropolitan area of 1.3 million people with sunny weather, impressive beaches, variety of entertainment options and patchwork of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods

What we’re looking for

  • Experience with structural biology and structural determination, as well as protein biochemistry, including protein production and purification is an asset
  • Collaborative, ambitious individuals with a strong interest in our research and environment
  • Ability to work independently to develop research projects and mentor others
  • Fearlessness in the design and implementation of new techniques and approaches for mechanistic analyses
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Application Materials

  • CV
  • Cover letter including a paragraph describing how your research interests fit with the job described
  • Contact information for 3 references
  • Email to: seneal@ucsd.edu

Membrane Biology and Cellular Basis of Disease

Academic Division

Biological Sciences

Academic Department/Research Unit

Cell & Developmental Biology

Description

Two NIH-funded postdoctoral positions are immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Amy Kiger in the Section of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of California San Diego. Projects will study cellular and molecular mechanisms of muscle T-tubule membrane organization and remodeling. Emphasis is on the underlying membrane trafficking and its genetic regulation involved in maintaining muscle function and the cellular basis in fly models of human myopathy.

Research opportunities build on our published and unpublished studies, including novel genetic screen results, in Drosophila muscles that address factors involved in shaping and remodeling T-tubule membranes critical for muscle function (see Ribeiro et al. 2011 PLoS Genetics; and Fujita et al. 2017 eLife). Specific efforts explore specific endocytic and autophagic mechanisms involved in regulated disassembly and reassembly of T-tubule membranes during developmental and adult muscle remodeling programs.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. degree in cell or developmental biology or a related field.
  • Expertise in at least several of these areas: membrane biology/trafficking, muscle biology, microscopy imaging and image analysis, tissue dissections, Drosophila genetics, molecular biology and/or biochemistry.
  • Beneficial familiarity with or strong interest in animal studies that combine modern genetic modification methods with advanced live cell microscopy imaging techniques.
  • Primary publications in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating research excellence.
  • Highly motivated to learn, explore, engage and communicate in their scientific pursuits.

Research Environment

The muscle membrane projects parallel additional ongoing Kiger lab research on the regulation of phosphoinositide functions, endolysosomal trafficking and autophagy in other fly tissues and human cells. Postdoctoral candidates broadly interested in these other areas of membrane biology research are also encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic research environment within the UCSD School of Biological Sciences, with access to many additional scientific and career/life opportunities in the broader San Diego research community.

How to apply

Please email Amy Kiger Ph.D. at akiger@ucsd.edu with any questions and to apply. Email applications should include:

  • A cover letter that summarizes past research and how your interests fit with the lab projects.
  • CV with complete publication list.
  • Upon request, 3 letters of reference.

All positions are contingent on funding becoming available.

Applicants are welcome to include in their cover letters a personal statement summarizing leadership efforts and/or contributions to diversity. UC San Diego is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty and staff.