Frequently Asked Questions

I hear that Scripps was ranked as a top spot to work as a postdoctoral researcher. Where can I read more about this?

In March of 2007, Scripps was ranked eleventh best in North America and fourth best on the West Coast in The Scientist magazine's newly issued "Best Places to Work for Postdocs" survey. Categories included quality of mentoring, level of communication and opportunities for networking and career development. The most important factor cited was the quality of training and career preparation offered by an institution. The Scientist's March issue featured detailed survey results and rankings of the top 40 North American institutions. Read more here.

What is the Scripps Postdoctoral Award Program?

Each year, Scripps provides one to three twelve-month Postdoctoral Scholar awards, with combined funding from both Scripps Institution of Oceanography and extramural funds from individual investigators. The Awards are highly competitive with a major emphasis on the potential for independent, creative research. Appointments are made on an annual basis, but are generally renewed for a second year, subject to satisfactory performance.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for this award you must have received your PhD no earlier than 3 years before the application deadline. Current and former Scripps Graduate Students and Postdocs are ineligible for these awards. All candidates are expected to have an excellent command of the English language.

Are postdoctoral positions available outside of the Scripps Postdoctoral Award Program?

Postdoctoral positions outside of the Institutional Postdoc Program are arranged with individual faculty members. Sometimes the positions are advertised, but often not. We recommend that you search the All Academics web page and then contact the individuals you're interested in working with to see if they have positions available. The length of the Postdoc position varies by individual investigator.

How long can I be appointed as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Scripps?

Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are temporary and have fixed end dates. Appointments are typically made for one year at a time but may be extended subject to satisfactory performance. The maximum time served in a postdoctoral position is 5 years (including appointments at any other institution).

What are the salary ranges for Postdoctoral Scholars?

An authorized salary and stipend scale establishing minimum and maximum pay rates for Postdoctoral Scholars is issued by the University of California Office of the President. Currently, the minimum Postdoctoral Scholar salary/stipend is $32,304. Scripps Postdoctoral Award minimum salary/stipend is $45,000. Each research division establishes a salary scale and policy appropriate for their area.

Are health, dental and other benefits offered to Scripps Postdocs?

As a condition of appointment, UCSD requires that all Postdoctoral Scholar appointees have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their appointments. For specific information on benefits, eligibility and rates can be found at the Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs.

Where can I find information on San Diego?

San Diego is the second largest city in California and the seventh largest city in the United States. Home to 70 miles of beaches and a mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do. Scripps is located in the community of La Jolla, a favorite vacation destination since the 1880's. For more information on San Diego contact the San Diego Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Is there a Postdoc listserve? How do I join?

You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the general postdoc list or any of the research group postdoc lists at public lists at Scripps.

Is there a listserv for job opportunities outside of Scripps? How do I join?

The jobannounce listserv is available to all Scripps faculty, students and postdocs. Job opportunities are posted on a regular basis.

What is the Scripps Log? How do I sign up to receive a copy?

The Scripps LOG is a weekly internal communications bulletin. It provides news on events, seminars, graduate office info, ships news, and general announcements as a communications service to all at Scripps. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at the public lists at Scripps page.