POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Viral phylogenetics, Andersen 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 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.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral Associate - Viral phylogenetics, Andersen Lab POSITION SUMMARY: The Andersen lab is working on diverse projects using computational genomics approaches and high-throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and the outbreaks they cause, including arenaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, orthopoxviruses, and arboviruses. We use an integrated approach of 'field' work in Africa, technology development, and computational biology to investigate these viruses.

We are looking for a computational postdoc with experience in phylogenetics to help out with our highly collaborative work on H5N1, SARS-CoV-2, and Mpox, and lead new projects across our range of viruses and research interests. This position is part of our larger initiatives, including PREVENT (https://preventcohorts.org), SEARCH (https://searchcovid.info/), Outbreak.info (https://outbreak.info/), the Center for Viral Systems Biology (https://cvisb.org/), the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Consortium (https://vhfc.org/), the West African Research Network for Infectious Diseases (https://warn-id.org/), Modjadji (https://modjadji.info/), and the WestNile 4K Project (https://westnile4k.org/).

Tasks will include:

• Collaborate closely with collaborators across multiple international institutions.
• Perform in-depth phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses of H%N!, SARS-CoV-2, and Mpox, as well as other viruses in our portfolio.
• Develop and deploy creative strategies for integrating epidemiological, genomic, and other data.
• Utilize pre-existing resources and work with computational scientists and biologists to create new ways of openly disseminating data and analyses with a focus on global health.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. in computational biology, computer science, mathematics, physics, or equivalent.
  
• Programming skills in one or more of the following languages: C++/Java/Python/R/MATLAB.
• Experience with large-scale phylogenetic analyses is a big plus.
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics, in particular Bayesian phylogenetics is a plus.
• Data visualization in Python/R/d3js is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with and mentor junior scientists and students.

Interested candidates should apply, including a cover letter as well as links to their code repositories (Github/Bitbucket) or online demos in their CV. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Before applying, please make sure to read our FAQ: https://andersen-lab.com/about#faq

COMPENSATION: Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institute of Health and California's exempt salary guidelines, which provide for a starting range of $68,000- $73,230. 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).
• 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.
• Pet Insurance

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.