Job Description
The Sette Lab at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join projects focused on human T cell responses to viral and bacterial pathogens — including Coronaviruses, Paramyxoviruses, Bordetella pertussis, Streptococcus, and other emergent pathogens — as well as allergy and neurodegenerative diseases — with direct applications to vaccine development and global health, using cutting-edge technologies such as multi-parameter flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, T cell receptor (TCR) profiling, and bioinformatic analyses.
About the role
You will work alongside Dr. Sette and a collaborative team to define research questions, lead experimental and bioinformatic studies, and drive projects to publication. The lab integrates wet-lab immunology with computational approaches, and you'll have room to shape your own direction within that framework (https://www.lji.org/labs/sette/). This is a full-time position available immediately.
List of relevant publications related to this position:
• Michaelis et al., Nature 2025 (PMID: 41034581)
• Pereira Neto TA., Cell 2025 (PMID: 40774254)
• da Silva Antunes et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol (PMID: 40714043)
• da Silva Antunes et al., Cell Host Microbe 2023 (PMID: 37490913)
• Tarke et al., Cell 2022 (PMID: 35139340)
Required qualifications
• PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, virology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in human immunology, cell culture, and multi-parameter flow cytometry.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with FluoroSpot/ELISPOT, scRNAseq/TCRseq, or bioinformatic pipelines is a plus but not required — we're happy to support skill development in these areas.
Compensation and benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Full health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and resources for research.
• Dedicated mentorship and support for career development.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the field of immunology.
To apply
Submit a single PDF containing: (1) a cover letter describing your background and interest, (2) your CV, and (3) contact information for three references.
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.
