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 are celebrating 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. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to 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.

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POSITION TITLE: Research Programmer I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Briney Lab is seeking a Research Programmer I to join us in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research. We use a combination of advanced single cell multi-omics techniques and sophisticated computational tools to deeply explore the antibody response to emerging infectious diseases. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will contribute to antibody discovery projects against a variety of viral targets, including Lassa, Ebola, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza and others. The antibodies we discover have potential use as therapeutics or as templates for rational vaccine development.

Because we tightly integrate wet-lab experimentation and bioinformatics into all of our projects, a substantial portion of your time will be spent using and developing computational tools for analyzing vast single cell multi-omics datasets and creating/training predictive models of antibody structure and function using some of the largest humoral immune datasets in the world. Although this position’s responsibilities are primarily computational, there are plenty of opportunities for the right candidate to acquire or refine their wet lab skills as well. We’re strong believers in the idea that programming expertise brings a fresh perspective to wet lab immunology and vice versa.

We work with several pathogens that are typically found only in West and Central Africa, so members from our group regularly travel to Sierra Leone to collect and process samples, bring equipment and reagents, and train local scientists. Although travel to Africa is completely optional, it’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the people most affected by the hemorrhagic fever viruses we study, and it’s a life-changing trip!

To apply, please submit a CV or resume and a cover letter addressing the following topics:
1. How does your research experience make you an ideal fit for our lab?
2. What will you bring to the lab that is completely unique (in terms of background, experience, skills, etc.)?
3. What are your long-term professional goals, and can we help you accomplish these goals?
4. Why you think you will be exceptionally successful in this role?

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Create novel tools and models for analysis and visualization of single cell B multi-omics datasets.
• Lead the creation, training, evaluation, and application of predictive models of antibody structure and function.
• Assist in the development of an end-to-end pipeline for sequencing, assembly, and annotation of immunoglobulin genomic loci using Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing datasets.
• Present work at lab meetings and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
• Work closely with other Briney Lab members and our collaborators.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computational biology, or similar is required.
• We are a highly collaborative group and are members of several scientific consortia, so the ability to work productively with our collaborative partners is essential.
• Strong programming background in Python (preferred) or R.
• Experience using version control systems (we use Github).
• General understanding of human immunology would be a plus but is not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment.

COMENSTATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $20.67 to $25.84 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

 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. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.