Career Center

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies seeks applicants at the assistant professor level who study the molecular, genetic, and environmental interactions that determine the interactions of plants and other organisms or organismal communities in their biomes (e.g. microbes, fungi, animals, or other plants). We seek scientists who are addressing critical biological questions that lead to mechanistic insights.  Areas of research interest should include but need not be limited to, biome-plant-soil interactions, plant-biome-soil carbon transfer, plant-biome above ground interactions, and immunity and host-defense related interactions. 

The Salk Institute is internationally renowned for research in plant biology, neuroscience, cancer, molecular and cell biology, within a highly synergistic and stimulating environment. We seek bold and interactive leaders who are passionate about exploring new frontiers in science and pursuing innovative solutions to fundamental questions in biology.  Upon hire, the assistant professor will join a highly interactive faculty cohort in the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory and will have opportunities to join the Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI).  The HPI aims to develop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change, and studies mechanisms that enable plants to be more resilient towards stresses imposed by a changing climate.

The Salk Institute is composed of a collaborative and diverse community of faculty, scientific and administrative staff, trainees, and students. We are deeply committed to enhancing and honoring diversity, and furthering equity and inclusion.  If you have a passion for discovery, service, leadership and sharing knowledge to address global challenges, please consider sharing your talents as a member of our collegial community!

Candidates with a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree and strong record of research achievements are invited to submit an online application through Interfolio with the following materials:

• A curriculum vitae
• A 3–4-page description of present and future research plans
• A 1–2-page statement about diversity and mentoring that articulates your commitment to fostering an inclusive research environment that values and actively promotes myriad facets of diversity.  Salk is specifically interested in: 
  • Learning about your personal mentoring philosophy
  • How you will create a training and learning environment that demonstrates respect and understanding for all personal identities and which combats inequity through action.
• Three letters of recommendation to be sent directly by the referees through Interfolio dossier services through the online application.

Applications with all required materials will be accepted until positions are filled but applications will begin being reviewed on August 1st, 2022. 

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.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)