Postdoctoral Associate - Encalada Lab

Job Category
:
Postdoctoral Associates/Fellows

Requisition Number
: POSTD
004610

• Posted :
  March 5, 2026
• Full-Time

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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 Cali ‑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:

A Postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Encalada Laboratory at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, focusing in the areas of image analysis and AI/machine learning within the context of neurodegeneration, aging, and intracellular endolysosomal trafficking. The Encalada lab has established relevant model systems in primary neurons and mice to screen and test small molecule candidate therapies to ameliorate neuro‑degenerative phenotypes.

In our projects, among others, you will have the opportunity to develop and apply machine learning algorithms for the high‑throughput analyses of fluorescent or other microscopy images. You will have the opportunity to do research in a superb intellectual setting at Scripps Research, by applying your skills to a combination of projects in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and high‑resolution quantitative light, super‑resolution, and (CL)
EM microscopy to your research in model systems including mammalian neurons, mice, human organoids, and/or

C. elegans systems.

Research experience with AI/machine learning within the context of image analysis (light or EM microscopy) is highly desirable. Also, knowledge of cell biology, mouse models, and/or light or super‑resolution microscopy is a plus but not required.

Applicants must submit the following as attachments as part of the application process: contact information for three professional references, a list of publications (past and/or pending), a brief statement of previous research expertise, and a statement describing postdoctoral research interests.

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.

Must possess a doctoral degree in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular biology, biophysics or related field. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator.

Highly motivated, independent, with outstanding written and oral communication skills, and with available or pending peer‑reviewed publication(s).

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.

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical…