Salk Institute for Biological Studies
In 1957, Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, began his quest to fulfill his second dream: create a collaborative environment where researchers could explore the basic principles of life and contemplate the wider implications of their discoveries for the future of humanity.
Gifted with 27 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean by the City of San Diego in 1960, Salk partnered with architect Louis Kahn to design such a research center. He summarized his aesthetic objectives by telling Kahn to “create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso.”
With financial support from the National Foundation/March of Dimes, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies opened its doors in 1963. In addition to Salk, the first Resident Fellows were Jacob Bronowski, Melvin Cohn, Renato Dulbecco, Edwin Lennox and Leslie Orgel. The Nonresident Fellows were Leo Szilard, Francis Crick, Salvador Luria, Jacques Monod and Warren Weaver.
The major study areas are aging and regenerative medicine, cancer biology, immune system biology, metabolism and diabetes, neuroscience and neurological disorders and plant biology. Salk research provides new understanding and potential treatments for a range of diseases, from AIDS and Alzheimer’s to cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Discoveries by plant biologists are paving the way to improving the quality and quantity of the world’s food supply and to addressing critical environmental problems, including global warming.
The Institute is supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health, private foundations and individuals who value scientific trailblazing. The March of Dimes, which has backed the Institute since its inception, continues to contribute financially every year.
As its first director, Salk said of his eponymous institute: “The Salk Institute is a curious place, not easily understood, and the reason for it is that this is a place in the process of creation. It is being created and is engaged in studies of creation. We cannot be certain what will happen here, but we can be certain it will contribute to the welfare and understanding of man.”
Search among Salk Institute for Biological Studies jobs
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Full Professor in Neuroimmunology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Salk Institute Location La Jolla, CA Open Date Nov 07, 2024 Description The Salk Institute for Biological Studies invites established faculty candidates at the Associate and Full Professor rank to apply for a Full Professor position in Neur...
23d
Assistant Professor in Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegeneration
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Salk Institute Location La Jolla, CA Open Date Sep 18, 2025 Description The Salk Institute is seeking faculty members at the Assistant Professor level to pioneer independent research programs using innovative approaches to study frontiers o...
23d
Development and Office of Technology Development (OTD) Administrator
San Diego, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and the Senior Director of the Office of Technology Development, the Administrator supports daily administrative, operational, and project management functions to ensure the team o...
24d
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description Salk Edge Summer Program Salk Edge is a two-week, technique-intensive summer initiative designed to equip PhD students with advanced research skills and professional development tools for successful careers in science. This prog...
24d
Heithoff-Brody Summer Scholars Intern
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description This eight-week paid internship is an opportunity for high school students to gain real-life experience performing scientific research while developing skill sets needed for careers in a STEM field while being mentored by Salk s...
24d
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description Under limited supervision, the HVAC&R Mechanic performs the full range of skilled journey level air conditioning and refrigeration work including install, troubleshoot, calibrate, service, repair and maintain refrigeration and H...
24d
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description Job Summary The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and general janitorial duties in animal facilities, equipment maintenance, basic QA testi...
24d
Research Accounting Specialist (Post-Award)
San Diego, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description The Research Accounting Specialist II (RAS) is responsible for the financial post-award management of a complex portfolio of sponsored research projects, including government grants, private agency/foundation awards, gifts, and ...
24d
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description The Salk Discover Symposium invites preeminent future postdoctoral candidates to an exclusive, immersive experience designed to ignite collaboration and accelerate careers. Attendees will present their cutting-edge research, eng...
24d
Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Satchidananda Panda
La Jolla, California
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Description The Research Assistant II position is responsible for performing various molecular biology, cell and biochemistry techniques; mouse handling and colony maintenance in support of the Principal Investigator (PI) and lab research g...
24d