Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

A POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE position is available in the laboratory of Alexey Terskikh in the Development, Aging, and Regeneration Program.

A successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to choose among several exciting ongoing projects. We have developed Microscopic Imaging of Epigenetic Landscape (MIEL) (Farhy et al., 2019), which combines fluorescence detection of epigenetic marks with automated cell imaging and machine learning to derive “epigenetic signatures” of individual cells. Recently, we discovered a unique advantage of MIEL to quantitate biological aging and built a screening platform to identify drugs that slowdown the aging process. We have engineered fluorescence-based genetically encoded epigenetic reporters enabling live imaging of epigenetic modifications at a single cell level. We are investigating epigenetic heterogeneity at the single cell level and the asymmetry during stem cell division in different cells including normal and neoplastic neural stem cells.

Additional projects open for collaboration include: 1. Developing a novel class of flavivirus replication inhibitors poised to make a major impact on global health; 2. Untangling cellular and molecular mechanisms of adult neurogenesis using Polylox-Express lineage barcoding to untangle self-renewal vs disposable models of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply online to the SBP career site by submitting one PDF document with a cover letter, CV, references and list of any publications or accomplishments.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct tissue culture and animal (mice) experiments as required by the project design.
• Perform confocal microscopy and analyze the data using custom built pipelines.
• Use cellular and animal models to discover networks and pathways and to generate functional predictions and testable hypotheses
• Independently design and performs experiments and procedures with high degree of complexity, demonstrating increasing expertise with a wide range of techniques
• Write reports, manuscripts, and grant applications with increasing responsibility over time

Required Skills Required Experience

• PhD in Biological sciences or equivalent is required
• Dual expertise in cell biology & computation is a huge plus

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Proficient in molecular and cellular biology, network analyses, and fluorescent microscopy
• Expertise in high-throughput data analyses
• Familiarity with gene expression analysis is highly desirable
• Programming skills (Python, R, Java or C++) is a huge plus
• Demonstrated ability for independent and critical thinking, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and strong publication record
• Embody the Institute's core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

The scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health. 

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law.  For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.