Career Opportunities - Port St. Lucie, Florida

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Positions Available

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies (TPIMS) provides a unique and supportive environment, emphasizing diverse training opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility encompassing both academic and industrial experience. Postdoctoral Research Fellows are trained and mentored directly by the Principal Investigator. TPIMS offers a competitive benefits package, as well as the outstanding benefits of life on the Treasure Coast of Florida.

The following Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions are currently available.

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is currently available in the laboratory of Jose Medina-Franco, Ph.D., Assistant Member. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be performing molecular modeling of bioactive compounds, structure-activity relationship studies using computational methods, chemoinformatic characterization of compound libraries and structure- and/or ligand-based virtual screening.

Recent Ph.D. graduates in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or computational sciences, with 1 to 2 years of previous postdoctoral experience preferred. Proficiency in two or more of the following areas is required: chemoinformatics, docking, homology modeling, molecular dynamics, pharmacophore modeling, QSAR, or virtual screening. Programming and scripting abilities would also be an advantage. The successful candidate will be required to work with a dynamic and interdisciplinary team comprised of synthetic and medicinal chemists, biochemists and pharmacologists. The successful applicant must be self-motivated; highly organized; possess good communication skills; and be a responsible and committed team player.

To apply, please email your curriculum vitae, a brief statement describing research experience and scientific interests and the contact information for three references to Dr. Jose Medina-Franco at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Principal Investigators

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies (TPIMS) is currently seeking Principal Investigators (Faculty) to join the Institute's new research operation in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

TPIMS is one of several bio-medical research organizations that have established operations as part of the growing biotechnology cluster in the Sunshine State and is now operating in a state-of-the-art 107,000 square foot building in the Florida Center for Innovation at Tradition. Port St. Lucie is a beautiful community on the east coast of Florida in St. Lucie County, about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach.

Start-up funding, relocation packages and other outstanding incentives are available. Candidates should have a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree, preferably with an established record of extramural funding. TPIMS encourages all medical research disciplines to apply.

To apply, send a Curriculum Vitae with a full list of publications, statement of research interests and plans, funding history and names of three references to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by fax, to the Human Resources office at 772-345-3647.

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

top of page

Director of Development

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies is seeking a full-time Director of Development. The Director of Development will be responsible for managing and directing the fundraising operations; researching available private funds for the benefit of TPIMS; and representing the organization effectively to a broad range of constituents. This position requires knowledge and proven experience in all aspect of non-profit fund-raising and resource development, including campaign planning and management, major gifts and planned giving.

Essential job duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Works with the President and his designated staff to identify unmet institutional needs and opportunities for enhancement, which can be effectively addressed through private fundraising.
• Coordinates with the Board of Trustees, through the direction of the President, to maintain an effective gift acceptance policy and to establish board support for fundraising.
• Initiates and implements campaigns (Annual, Major Gifts and Planned Gifts) programs/events, strategies and procedures to raise and manage private funds for the benefit of TPIMS in accordance with the Institute’s mission, goals and priorities.
• Establishes and maintains beneficial relations with organizations, foundations, businesses and individuals, and aggressively seeks new corporate, foundation, and private donor funding sources.
• Continually stays abreast on the latest techniques for researching available private funds.
• Meets annual revenue goals, as determined by the President/CEO.
• Oversees visits to the Institute of potential donors and makes solicitations for significant gifts, individually or in conjunction with Trustees, Officers, or scientific staff.
• Develops correspondence and proposals to be sent to corporations, foundations, and individual donors.
• Initiates and maintains a donor recognition program to appropriately acknowledge and foster long-term relationships with donors.
• Works collaboratively with staff members to identify avenues of economic support for programs/projects.
• Assists in developing, implementing, and monitoring systems and procedures to properly administer and account for stewardship of funds, and to ensure that complete and accurate donor records (including giving clubs and naming opportunities) are maintained.
• Tracks fundraising program expenditures and works with the VP & CFO to ensure an appropriate ratio between the funds raised and expenses, ensuring responsible stewardship of donated dollars.
• Fulfills all necessary reporting, filing, legal, and audit requirements related to fundraising operations.
• Assists in representing TPIMS in community, state, and national organizations, committees and other activities related to private resource development.
• Collaborates as an effective team member to carry out fundraising goals and objectives and to communicate efficiently with the President and his designated team to support private fundraising.
• Works closely with the Communications/Web Specialist to produce valuable documents that will enhance private fundraising and successfully recognize donor support.
• Maintains confidentiality and uses tact and discretion.
• Has regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Relevant Bachelor's degree with significant not-for-profit fundraising experience;
• 6-8 years experience with a proven track record in securing major gifts;
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to mission and goals;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, motivate and inspire support;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively represent at local, state, and national levels;
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and follow through skills;
• Ability to apply principles of business, marketing, finance, and technology to ensure effective management and utilization of resources;
• Proven ability to meet people with ease and interact effectively with a Board, donors, business and corporate leaders, community organizations, staff and others whose support is essential;
• Excellent writing, presentation, and oral communication skills;
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to use donor database, Foundation Search/Big Online, Windows, Word, Excel, Access and other databases, accounting and presentation software, and knowledge about selection and implementation of fundraising software;
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, creativity and sound judgment;
• Highly effective team-builder, planner, and problem-solver;
• Has established networks in the local philanthropic community.

To apply for this position, please follow the application procedures outlined below:

• Send resume and cover letter outlining salary requirements and relevance of qualifications for this position
• E-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to TPIMS, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 Att; Human Resources
• Reference job # PH-060211 in the subject line of the e-mail or on the envelope
• Please use only one method to apply, either e-mail or mail

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Senior Manager of Grants and Contracts

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies is seeking a full-time Senior Manager of Grants and Contracts to work in the Port St Lucie, Florida location.

This position is responsible for grants, contracts, budgeting, grant/contract billings, labor reporting, administration of the State of Florida and related contracts, and also oversees the sponsored research office in San Diego, California.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Review and assist with outgoing grants/contracts to ensure consistency of proposals, standard formatting and compliance with funding guidelines
• Approve and administer private and public grants/contracts
• Oversee preparation and issuance of invoices for grants/contracts on a periodic basis
• Prepare and submit financial reports for grants/contracts
• Coordinate, direct, and support Office of Management & Budget A-133 and other specific agency audits of grants/contracts
• Maintain and disseminate funding agency guidelines and work with Principal Investigators as a financial advisor
• Ensure compliance with all external agency and contract guidelines
• Coordinate with Controller for audits as they relate to grants/contracts and OMB A-133
• Supervise the staff and functions of the grants and contracts office and provide backup for Manager of Grants and Contracts during periods of absence
• Together with Controller, develop and provide training and instruction for financial software and business office products
• Prepare and review grants/contracts status reports
• Prepare budgets and review for accuracy
• Serve as Chief Contracting Officer administering large RFP’s and other solicitations in accordance with the TPIMS purchasing policy
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested

The successful candidate possesses the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field is preferred
• Professional certification (CMA, CPA, or CRA) is preferred
• Six to eight years of experience in grant/contract administration, including NIH grants management experience. Familiarity with procurement, budgeting, accounting, financial analysis and business administration is preferred.
• Familiarity with federal, state, local and private funding fiscal management and administration
• Proficiency with computerized financial information systems and Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook
• Ability to interact with contracting officers and auditors
• Ability to provide oversight support and coordination for related financial software applications, such as MIP and related products
• Ability to provide oversight and work with Principal Investigators and scientific personnel on management of multiple projects and cost centers

To apply for this position, please follow the application procedures outlined below:

• Send your resume by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to TPIMS, Attn: Human Resources, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
• Reference job #RH-032212 in the subject line of the email or on the envelope
• Use only one method to apply (email or mail)

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Vivarium Manager

TPIMS is seeking a full-time hands-on Vivarium Manager to manage the vivarium and animal husbandry operations in Florida, supervising staff and providing daily care of research animals, maintaining a clean environment and providing daily observations of the animals’ overall health. The selected candidate will ensure standards necessary for AAALAC certification and other regulatory requirements for the facility are maintained. In addition, the Vivarium Manager will work with Principal Investigators and researchers to assess the ongoing needs of the facility and the animals.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform quality checks on cleanliness of the facility, assuring the general condition of the vivarium with respect to safety and sanitation, equipment operation, and maintenance of the physical plant
• Provide daily monitoring of animals and evaluate the health status of animals, reporting all sick or distressed animals to the veterinarian and principal investigators for treatment
• Order and receive animals. Communicate effectively with principal investigators, lab staff, and purchasing agents at TPIMS
• Hands-on involvement in routine animal husbandry activities. Ensure daily tasks are completed satisfactorily; and provide support and partial back-up to the Animal Health Technicians as needed
• Perform or arrange comprehensive (24 hours day/7 days week) coverage needed on-site for animal observation and care
• Assist in the operation, maintenance and monitoring of all animal care equipment, including the washing and cleaning of cages
• Conduct and maintain weekly inventory to ensure that supplies are appropriately stocked
• Ensure all husbandry records and documents are accurately updated and maintained in a timely manner
• Compile change of the month paperwork as well as paperwork for related assigned projects. Assist with required annual reports to federal agencies and other necessary reporting
• Maintain appropriate and accurate records of health care, special requests and supply orders. Responsible for ensuring and documenting that AAALAC standards are maintained, and that animal population is treated humanely under the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Acts and USDA policies and regulations
• Prepare and maintain all records required to ensure compliance with regulations
• Assist in or lead routine training of staff regarding facility management, husbandry procedures, and animal health observations/treatments
• Participate in interview and selection process for potential vivarium employees
• Serve on the Institute’s IACUC committee, participating in technical protocol review and approval, and keeping the IACUC committee informed on the condition of the facility and research involving animals
• Partner with the EH&S department to review work practices in the vivarium and mediate policies established by the IACUC committee, as well as local and national policies relevant to animal care in a research setting
• Perform other duties as required

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Animal or Biological Sciences, or a Registered Veterinary Technician license
• ALAT certification; AALAS certification; and/or Registered Veterinary Technician license desirable
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a lab animal facility and knowledge of animal facility management
• Minimum 1 year experience managing a vivarium is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with investigators, contractors, vendors, and staff
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills
• Extensive knowledge of research and animal facility practices and standards is desirable
• Knowledge of federal policies and legislation regarding animal welfare and animal research
• Experience with computers and Microsoft programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays and respond to after-hour emergency calls when necessary

To apply for this position, please follow the application procedures outlined below:

• Send your resume by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to TPIMS, Attn: Human Resources, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
• Reference job #CD-033012 in the subject line of the email or on the envelope
• Use only one method to apply (email or mail)

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Animal Facility Assistant

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies is seeking one full-time or two part-time Animal Facility Assistants who will contribute to the daily care of research animals, including feeding and watering; cleaning cages; maintaining log books and keeping track of the overall health of the animals.

The successful candidate will have at least six months of relevant experience; must be able to work independently with general instruction and direction; lift 50 pounds; perform repetitive motions with arms and hands; work weekends and holidays; and have no known allergies.

To apply for this position, please follow the application procedures outlined below:

• Send your resume by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to TPIMS, Attn: Human Resources, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
• Reference job #CD-050212 in the subject line of the email or on the envelope
• Use only one method to apply (email or mail)

TPIMS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer