Postdoctoral Associate in Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Brain Development and Function

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 TITLE: Postdoctoral Associate

POSITION SUMMARY: The Lippi lab at Scripps Research seeks a Postdoctoral Associate as part of a growing team of investigators studying how post-transcriptional mechanisms instruct brain development and function. We have pioneered new conceptual and technological frameworks to interrogate these mechanisms, including inducible and reversible global microRNA loss-of-function, cell type-specific microRNA-target interaction mapping, scalable manipulation of individual regulatory elements, and single-cell, isoform-sensitive measurements of translation in vivo. We are recruiting highly motivated and talented scientists who will use these tools to discover fundamental new biology.

Our research focuses on how post-transcriptional gene regulation shapes neuronal development, diversification, and function in the mammalian brain. Neurons boosted post-transcriptional mechanisms to sculpt gene expression in space and time, resulting in some of the lowest correlations between transcriptome and proteome in the body, and suggesting that transcriptome-based analyses alone are inadequate. We have pioneered new conceptual and technological frameworks to interrogate these mechanisms, including inducible and reversible global microRNA loss-of-function (DD-T6B; Zolboot et al. Neuron 2025), cell type-specific microRNA-target interaction mapping (SAPseq; Zolboot et al. Neuron 2025), scalable manipulation of individual regulatory elements using RNA-targeting CRISPR systems (Zolboot et al. in preparation), and single-cell, isoform-sensitive measurements of translation in vivo (Ribo-STAMP; Sison et al. Nature 2026). Using these tools, we have identified exciting new biology. For example, that convergent microRNA repression of key targets, independent of transcriptional change, controls critical developmental transitions and drives neuronal subtype diversification (Du et al. in review). Or that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs interplay in unexpected ways to regulate differential translation of two isoforms of the same gene (Sison et al. Nature 2026).

We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to apply our new technologies to high-impact biological questions. Example of potential projects (but candidate-initiated ideas are also very welcome):

Project 1: microRNA Roles in Cortical Interneuron Development

Defects in cortical interneuron (cIN) development are strongly linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. This project will investigate how microRNAs instruct migration and specification of cINs from the medial ganglionic eminence. We have extensive preliminary data demonstrating that complete de-repression of strong microRNA targets profoundly affects the cIN developmental trajectory. The project aims to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Preferred skillset:

• Background in developmental neurobiology, possibly in embryonic or early post-natal cIN development
• Comfort working with mouse models and brain tissue (e.g., dissection, viral delivery, histology)
• Mouse surgery experience, especially surgeries involving embryonic mice, mouse handling, and drug administration
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, western blotting, and qPCR
• Familiarity with cell cultures and slice cultures

Project 2: Alternative Splicing and Isoform-Specific Regulation in Neuronal Development

This project will investigate how alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation generate cell type- and stage-specific post-transcriptional programs during brain development, and how these programs shape neuronal identity and function. The project will leverage long-read Ribo-STAMP simultaneous measurement of transcription and translation at single-cell resolution and RNA-targeting CRISPR/Cas tools to manipulate alternative splicing. Preferred skillset:

• Background in molecular neuroscience, RNA biology, or developmental neurobiology
• Experience with RNA-seq procedures and analysis (short- and/or long-read preferred)
• Familiarity with splicing regulation, RBPs, or 3UTR biology is a plus
• Comfort working with mouse models and brain tissue (e.g., dissection, viral delivery, histology)
• Mouse surgery experience, especially surgeries involving embryonic mice
• Computational experience (R, Python, or equivalent) or a strong interest in developing these skills

Project 3: CRISPR Screens to Identify Regulatory Elements on NDD Risk Genes

This project will use scalable RNA-targeting CRISPR-based approaches to identify and functionally validate negative regulatory elements (e.g. microRNA binding sites) that control gene dosage of haploinsufficient NDD genes, with direct translational potential. Preferred skillset:

• Experience with establishing and optimizing CRISPR screens (CRISPRa/i, or dCas13 systems)
• Strong molecular biology skills (cloning, viral vector design, biochemistry)
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, viral production, and flow cytometry
• Prior experience with screening approaches, iPSC-derived neurons, ASOs, or regulatory element validation is preferred

For more information, please visit www.lippilab.org .

The successful applicant is expected to present data at lab and departmental meetings and scientific conferences, prepare manuscripts, mentor junior lab members, and apply for external fellowships. We expect the candidate to be familiar with basic molecular biology, sterile and cell culture techniques, animal model research, and the operation of standard lab equipment. A successful applicant will have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of lab members and with external contacts in the research environment. The applicant should have creative problem-solving skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Review of applicants will start immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Interested individuals should submit a single pdf file with all of the following as part of the application:

1. CV
2. Research Statement (1 page)
3. Statement of career goals (1/2 page)
4. Contact information for 2-3 references.

Note: Please email glippi@scripps.edu after applying.

Make Scripps Research your next step to advance your research training. Click here to learn more about our Postdoctoral Program and Services: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/

REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a doctoral degree. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.

Candidates with a strong published track record in molecular biology, developmental neuroscience, RNA biology, circuit/systems neuroscience are preferred. This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

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 $70,304- $75,353. 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.