Careers
You’ll Like It Here
Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.
Our scientists are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children’s disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health.
We can offer you the opportunity to build your career with an independent, non-profit institution that is focused entirely on supporting and advancing science. Learn more about us and discover a research opportunity unlike any other.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Sanford Burnham Prebys celebrates the rich diversity of our scientists, students and staff, who hail from more than 30 countries. Our diverse and inclusive environment catalyzes innovation and fuels discovery, enhancing the value and impact of our research.
We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Learn more about your rights as an applicant:
As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our HR Partners at 858 646 3100 Ext 5127 or via e-mail at accomodations@sbpdiscovery.org.
Culture and Values
Working at Sanford Burnham Prebys
With over 500 scientists and staff, we’re a world-class research institute that’s still small enough that people know and support each other. We take pride in offering competitive salaries and benefits that provide flexibility for the diverse and changing needs of our staff. What’s more, we are located in a science and technology hotbed. It’s a remarkable city that also just happens to be a beautiful place to live.
Our Collaborative Spirit
Sanford Burnham Prebys’s collaborative spirit extends from the laboratory to everything we do here, as we work together to support and advance science. Whether you’re interested in joining our distinguished scientists to make your next discovery or supporting the scientists who do, we encourage you to explore current opportunities at the Institute.
Life In Our City
Welcome to San Diego, the second largest city in California and the eighth largest in the United States. Surrounded by beaches, mountains and deserts, San Diego has something to offer everyone.
Our city isn’t just a hotbed of health and biotech, it’s a beautiful place to be. Come explore why we love where we work and live.
About La Jolla
La Jolla, the area of San Diego in which Sanford Burnham Prebys campus is located, is 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. La Jolla is home to Torrey Pines Mesa, a world-renowned center for life sciences. La Jolla spans across miles of curving coastlines and encompasses Torrey Pines State Park. The Park, which partially surrounds the Institute, is home to the nation’s rarest pine tree—the Torrey Pine. La Jolla also includes Torrey Pines State Beach, the Cove, Seal Rock and Children’s Pool Beach – which offer a variety of beach and water activities from beach volley ball to kayaking, snorkeling, seal watching and more.
Local Climate
Regardless of where you choose to live, the sun will shine on you for more than half the year. San Diego enjoys mild seasons, with an average daily coastal temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and an average rainfall of only 9.5 inches. During the winter months—typically November through February—daytime temperatures average in the 60s, dropping into the 50s and 40s at night. The summer months, which stretch from mid-May to October, average 76 degrees during the day. The evenings are mild and warm, with an average of 64 degrees at night.
La Jolla Weather
- Ave. Temperature 64°
- Warmest Month August: 73.4°
- Coldest Month December: 56.1°
- Annual Precipitation 11.15″ Ave
- Wettest Month February: 2.87″ Ave
Benefits
Empower your future with our comprehensive benefits—because your well-being is our priority.
Sanford Burnham Prebys values our employees and their health and wellbeing. That’s why we’re constantly working to provide a variety of high‐quality benefit plans. The benefits outlined here are available to full-time employees (including Postdoctoral Associates/Fellows) who are regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week, graduate students with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and our LEAP Postbaccalaureate Trainee program.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our Commitment
Sanford Burnham Prebys is more than an Institute or a place where science is conducted. The most important thing at our Institute is the people who work here.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion has been fundamental to our organization since the beginning. Today our scientists, postdoctoral candidates, graduate students and staff hail from many different backgrounds and from all over the world representing more than 30 countries.
We celebrate these differences and recognize that when unique perspectives come together it adds richness and creativity to our work. Having a diverse and inclusive environment catalyzes innovation and fuels discovery, allowing us to achieve our organizational mission.
We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, values, beliefs and experiences regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer.
