POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - LIU LAB - Chemistry
Company: Scripps Research
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
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: 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 four medical plan options (including an
HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability,
EAP and more. Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts. Paid
Time Off - 5 days annually Free, on-site Counseling Center which
provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible
employees. 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.
Keywords: Scripps Research, Norwalk , POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - LIU LAB - Chemistry, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California
