Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Aga Kendrick

Job Description

The Kendrick Lab at the Salk Institute is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our vibrant and collaborative team. We welcome applications from recent Ph.D. graduates or individuals with no more than one year of postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment. Candidates with a strong background in cell biology, biochemistry, and microscopy (particularly live-cell imaging) are especially encouraged to apply. Prior experience with advanced imaging techniques is preferred.

Our research focuses on the coordination between intracellular transport systems, the microtubule, and the actin cytoskeleton in the context of human disease. We use multidisciplinary approaches that combine structural biology with single-molecule and live-cell microscopy to investigate how cytoskeletal adaptor complexes assemble and function. Current projects aim to understand how age-related changes influence intracellular transport using induced neuron models.

The Kendrick Lab is committed to strong mentorship and offers a range of professional development opportunities. We value a supportive, inclusive lab environment that promotes both scientific growth and personal well-being. In addition, at Salk, collaboration is at the heart of scientific discovery. The institute brings together researchers from diverse disciplines, such as neuroscience, immunology, plant biology, and more, in a uniquely open and interconnected setting. Shared core facilities, open lab design, and regular scientific events foster frequent collaboration and idea exchange. This highly interactive environment enables the Kendrick Lab to approach complex biological questions with broad expertise and institutional support.

Motivated and collaborative individuals with a proven track record of productivity and strong work ethics should send their CV, a cover letter summarizing previous and future research goals, and contact information of three references to Aga Kendrick (akendrick@salk.edu).

Education:

Ph.D. in in a related field

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What We Can Offer

The full postdoctoral salary range for wet lab opportunities is $70,000-$77,500 (see below). This range covers the entire postdoctoral training period; recent Ph.D. graduates should expect an offer at or close to $70,000 (minimum of the salary range). 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.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.
Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.