The Scripps Research Institute on Monday announced that James Paulson, chair of the institute’s cell and molecular biology department, will take over as acting president and CEO.
Paulson succeeds Michael Marletta, who announced his resignation following criticism over his attempt to merge the financially challenged institution with the University of Southern California.
“I would like to thank Michael for his service to the institute and commitment to its scientific excellence, and to Jim for his willingness to step into a leadership position during this transitional period,” said Richard A. Gephardt, chairman of the institute’s board of trustees. “The board will be working closely with the TSRI community to conduct a nationwide search for a new president for this renowned institution.”
“It is an honor to be asked to serve the institute during this transition,” said Paulson. “I look forward to working with the board, the faculty and management team to identify permanent leadership and begin to evaluate strategic options to secure a sustainable future for TSRI as one of the world’s preeminent private institutes for biomedical research and graduate education.”
The institute said Paulson and the board will appoint members of a search committee and work with an executive search firm to find new leadership for the institute. The committee, which will include both faculty and trustees, will be chaired by Gephardt.
Paulson, whose research program focuses on roles of glycan binding proteins in the immune system and adaptation of avian influenza viruses to humans, has been a full-time member of the institute’s faculty since 1999.
Marletta, a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a former recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, remains at the institute as a faculty member in the chemistry department.
The La Jolla-based nonprofit, which specializes in biomedical research, also has a satellite operation in Jupiter, FL, where opposition to a merger also surfaced.
