RESEARCH PROGRAMMER III - Encalada 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 SUMMARY: 

Research-focused role at the intersection of biomedical imaging, machine learning, computer vision, and neuroscience.

This position involves:

• Developing image analysis pipelines that can process and analyze large, complex microscopy datasets efficiently and reproducibly.
• Applying machine learning (ML) and computer vision techniques to extract meaningful biological information from images.
• Working with microscopy and biomedical imaging data, potentially including fluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, live-cell imaging, or other advanced imaging modalities.
• Conducting research related to:
  • Neurodegenerative diseases and neurodegeneration (e.g., conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease)
  • Aging biology
  • Intracellular trafficking, particularly the endolysosomal system, which is involved in transporting and degrading molecules within cells.

 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES:

•  Build automated workflows to analyze thousands of microscopy images. 
• Train ML models to identify cellular structures, classify phenotypes, or quantify biological changes. 
• Collaborate with biologists and neuroscientists to answer research questions. 
• Visualize and interpret imaging results. 
• Optimize code for scalability and reproducibility. 
• Present findings in reports, publications, or lab meetings.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience. A degree in a biological or chemical science may be accepted if accompanied with programming education, training, and/or experience.
• Minimum of 4 years experience in software application development and research programming.

Relevant Skillset desired:

• Python programming
• Image processing (e.g., OpenCV, scikit-image, ImageJ/Fiji)
• Machine learning and deep learning (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Computer vision
• Data analysis and statistics
• Biological image analysis
• Basic cell biology and neuroscience concepts

LOCATION: This is an on-campus position requiring 5 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  This position works in an office environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $71,000 to $88,750, commensurate with experience. 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 three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Remote/Hybrid/Flexible work schedules (Dependent on role).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Free, on-site parking. 

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. 

Salary : $71,000 - $88,750