Scripps Sr. Staff Scientist - Izard Lab

Job Description

Join a dynamic structural biology group at the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, where we push the boundaries of molecular visualization and membrane biology. Our lab integrates cutting‑edge cryoEM, membrane biophysics, and infection/immunity research to redefine how receptors like integrins, GPCRs, and adhesion complexes are regulated. This position offers the opportunity to drive high‑impact projects, publish in top journals, and grow your expertise in method development and biological discovery.

Scripps Sr. Staff Scientist

Successful candidates will work in a cutting‑edge research environment with new state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The laboratory has outstanding cell biology, molecular biology, protein expression, purification, biochemistry, cryogenic electron microscopy, and protein crystallography facilities. The laboratory has access to many exceptional cores, facilitating basic research and drug development. The unique infrastructure includes the application of unique chemical, genomic, proteomic, informatics, and high‑throughput screening and engineering tools for discovering novel biomolecules.

Tina Izard installed the first 300 kV cryo Atomic Resolution Microscope (cryoARM
300) in the Americas and has plenty of microscope time dedicated to post‑doctoral associates. This state‑of‑the‑art transmission electron microscope is a 300 kV high‑resolution microscope capable of carrying out cryogenic electron microscopy studies by providing atomic resolution for structural studies involving single particle analyses. The transmission electron microscope is equipped with a new and improved Gatan K3 direct electron detector camera with better DQE, a larger field of view (24 Megapixels – 5,760 x 4,092), and faster performance.

The direct detection devices are exquisitely sensitive, produce high signal‑to‑noise images, and are ideal for high‑resolution studies.

The lab has access to SER‑CAT beamlines at Sector 22 of the Advanced Photon Source, including modern insertion device lines (22‑‑D, variable wavelength, and 22‑‑E, fixed wavelength) as well as a bending magnet line (22‑BM) for macromolecular crystallography. These facilities are equipped with updated optics and detectors, and fall under current APS upgrades, ensuring high performance for structural biology projects. The lab also has a High‑Flux X‑ray diffraction system, specifically a Rigaku Micro Max‑007 HF, a second‑generation microfocus rotating anode generator, and a mar
345 Image Plate detector. An Osmic Vari Max optics system and the Proteros Free Mounting System can be used to control humidity and optimize diffraction characteristics, including resolution, mosaicity, anisotropy, and reduced X‑ray background.

The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute shares its Jupiter campus with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), North America’s only Max Planck Institute. MPFI is internationally recognized for innovation in imaging and neuroscience, and its presence creates a unique, highly collaborative research environment. Postdocs benefit from joint seminars, shared facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and daily interaction with world‑class scientists across structural biology, chemical biology, and neuroscience.

This close partnership expands opportunities for discovery and professional growth beyond what most academic campuses offer.

The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is located in Jupiter, Florida, a vibrant coastal community in Palm Beach County. Jupiter offers an outstanding quality of life with year‑round sunshine, beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, and a…