POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Job Description

Job Description

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

Under limited direction, the Postdoctoral Associate will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the H1.0–JUNB chromatin regulatory module maintains cell identity during aging and disease. The project centers on how disruption of this axis leads to loss of transcriptional identity, gain of epigenetic noise, and acquisition of a senescence-like state. Experimental work spans mass spectrometry-based proteomics, RNA-seq, chromatin immunoprecipitation, cardiac directed differentiation (iPSC → cardiomyocyte), and in vivo mouse models. Being a training position, the Postdoctoral Associate will support the laboratory's research program while developing independent scientific judgment and pursuing publishable contributions to the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to learn to advance projects
• Generate hypotheses, design experiments, interpret data, trouble shoot and optimize experiments
• Be able to analyze and interpret data from different sources and draw relevant conclusions
• Be able to present results at internal and external meetings
• Accurately document experiments
• Contribute to the writing of reports and manuscripts with increasing responsibility over time
• Work collaboratively across lab functions and train other junior lab staff as needed

• Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences or Biology

Experience : PhD completed within the past 5 years in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Epigenetics, or a closely related field. Prior research experience in chromatin biology, transcription factor regulation, protein homeostasis, or aging/senescence is strongly preferred. Hands-on proficiency in mammalian cell culture (including primary fibroblast or iPSC systems), gene silencing (siRNA/shRNA), immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting is required. Experience with at least one of the following is highly desirable: ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, label-free quantitative mass spectrometry, or co- immunoprecipitation/proximity ligation assays. Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines (DESeq2, gene set enrichment analysis, proteomics data analysis) is a plus.

Certifications, Licenses, etc.: None required beyond doctoral degree.

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Have strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent data presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with chromatin biology, histone variants, or transcription factor co-repressor mechanisms is highly advantageous
• Experience with proteomics data interpretation (MaxQuant, Perseus, or equivalent) and/or transcriptomic analysis pipelines (DESeq2, GSEA/Enrichr) is a plus
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple ongoing experiments while meeting manuscript and grant deadlines

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct: None
• Indirect: None

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

When working on-site, the work environment is in a standard office setting. Frequently exposed to low to[TH1] moderate noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

If working from home, you are responsible for ensuring a quiet, organized, and comfortable setting, free from significant noise or distractions. The role requires the use of standard home office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. As you may be exposed to minimal noise and temperature variations depending on your home setup, it's important to maintain a workspace that supports productivity and well-being. Reliable internet connectivity and a suitable workstation are essential to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to execute those physical activities required to perform the essential functions including, but not limited to, regular sitting and being mobile; continual communicating both in person and on the telephone; regular keyboarding; regular reading of both print and digital material; and all other activities required to perform essential functions.

Work Location: This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation: The expected hiring rate for this position is $70,304.00 - $77,334.40/annually commensurate with Postdoctoral experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or via e-mail at View email address on ziprecruiter.com