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

Scripps Research • San Diego, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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. 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: CV Research Statement (1 page) Statement of career goals (1/2 page) Contact information for 2-3 references. Note: Please email [e-mail] 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
• familiar with basic molecular biology, sterile and cell culture techniques, animal model research, and the operation of standard lab equipment
• excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of lab members and with external contacts in the research environment
• creative problem-solving skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

• 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
• 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 3′UTR 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
• 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

Responsibilities

• present data at lab and departmental meetings and scientific conferences
• prepare manuscripts
• mentor junior lab members
• apply for external fellowships

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree