Job Description

Job summary:

The Schmiedel Laboratory at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) seeks a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team to explore the intersection of genetics, immunology, and functional genomics.

Our research focuses on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression in human immune cells to understand how genetic variation contributes to complex immune-mediated diseases. By integrating cutting-edge single-cell multi-omics (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, spatial transcriptomics) with functional cell-based assays using human and mouse models, we aim to translate genetic discoveries into novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Required qualifications:

• PhD or MD/PhD in Immunology, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field (completed or nearing completion)
• Proven expertise in one or more core areas: human immunology and cell biology (primary cell culture, flow cytometry/FACS, functional immune assays); genomics and epigenetics (single-cell technologies, NGS library preparation); in vivo models (experience with mouse models for immunological or translational research)
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals relative to career stage
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Basic computational literacy (R and/or Python scripting) to interact with bioinformatics or perform preliminary data exploration
• Familiarity with genome editing techniques (CRISPR/Cas9 knockout, CRISPRi/a screening assays)

Publications to review:

1. Schmiedel BJ, Gonzalez-Colin C, Fajardo-Rosas V,  et al . Tissue-resident immune cells drive genetic risk in autoimmune and lung diseases. Nature Immunology. 2026. doi:10.1038/s41590-026-02596-2.
2. Schmiedel BJ, Gonzalez-Colin C, Fajardo V,  et al . Single-cell eQTL analysis of activated T cell subsets reveals activation and cell type-dependent effects of disease-risk variants. Sci Immunol. 2022. doi:10.1126/sciimmunol.abm2508.
3. Schmiedel BJ, Rocha J, Gonzalez-Colin C,  et al . COVID-19 genetic risk variants are associated with expression of multiple genes in diverse immune cell types. Nature Communications. 2021. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-26888-3.
4. Chandra V, Bhattacharyya S, Schmiedel BJ,  et al . Promoter-interacting expression quantitative trait loci are enriched for functional genetic variants. Nature Genetics. 2021. doi:10.1038/s41588-020-00745-3.
5. Schmiedel BJ, Singh D, Madrigal A,  et al . Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms on Human Immune Cell Gene Expression. Cell. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2018.10.022.
6. Schmiedel BJ, Seumois G, Samaniego-Castruita D,  et al . 17q21 asthma-risk variants switch CTCF binding and regulate IL-2 production by T cells. Nature Communications. 2016. doi:10.1038/ncomms13426.

To apply:

Please submit a Cover Letter briefly describing your research background, technical expertise, and career goals, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) including your full publication list, and provide contact information for 3 professional references. Applications without a Cover Letter will NOT be reviewed.

The La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) offers a collegial work environment that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and creativity. Full-time employment at LJI includes a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision benefits, paid sick leave, and contributions to a retirement plan (403B). For the last decade, LJI has been ranked as one of the best places to work in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal. The Institute hosts world-renowned faculty and over 80 postdoctoral researchers with scientists from over 30 countries. LJI is located in the Science Research Park on the campus of UC San Diego, providing easy access to the San Diego life sciences community and all that the area has to offer.

LJI provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, medical conditions, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or pregnancy, or any other condition protected by state and local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placing, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absences, and social and recreational programs.

La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity. 

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