The Salk Fellows Program is a path for innovative early-stage career scientists to embark on fully independent research programs as an alternative to traditional postdoctoral studies. We seek leaders who are passionate in using innovative approaches to study the frontiers of immunology and inflammation, including neuro-immunology, cancer immunology, autoimmunity, host-microbe interactions (mutualistic to pathogenic), infectious disease, immunometabolism, systems immunology, immune engineering, and other inflammatory-related diseases. The chosen candidate will join a supportive and diverse group of highly interactive faculty in the Salk NOMIS Center of Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis.
Candidates should be recent PhD or MD graduates, at most two years from graduation, with demonstrated excellence in research and leadership. Salk Fellows are typically appointed for a period of five years after a successful review at the end of year three. Salk Fellow appointees are eligible for consideration for promotion to Assistant Professor at the Salk Institute. Mentoring is key to a Salk Fellow’s success and our Fellows are supported with financial and mentoring resources that allow them to launch their independent career, recruit trainees and establish stable funding.
Salk Fellows are often interdisciplinary scientists who establish new fields and integrate diverse approaches (e.g. cutting-edge genetic and animal models, metabolic and molecular assays, computer science, mathematics, imaging, computational biology, physics, machine learning, synthetic biology or engineering) to address fundamental biological questions in the broad areas of immunology, inflammation and infectious disease described above. Prospective Fellows’ are encouraged and supported to pursue exciting and innovative science.
The Salk Institute is deeply committed to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do with a passion for discovery, service, leadership and sharing of knowledge that addresses global microbiology and immunology challenges. To support their development, Salk Fellows are provided with a faculty mentor, a mentoring committee, administrative grant-writing support, and have access to a wide range of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Education Outreach, and Engagement & Wellbeing activities. Scholars underrepresented in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates must complete an application online through Interfolio and include a current curriculum vitae, research statement, and three recommendation letters from scientists who are distinguished leaders in their fields, including one from their research advisor. Selected referees should be able to comment in depth on candidates’ accomplishments and potential and describe the impact of their proposed research programs on their fields. Research advisors should explain how candidates’ research is distinct from previous work conducted in their labs. Referees should also address candidates’ readiness to start and operate an independent lab and their potential to benefit from an accelerated path to an independent research career.
Applications with all required materials will be accepted until the position is filled but applications will begin being reviewed on May 1, 2024.
The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000, $115,000 for computational roles per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.