In 1979, Engvall was recruited to Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in La Jolla, California (then called La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation). From 1993 to 1996, Engvall held joint appointments at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and as Chairperson of the Department of Developmental Biology at Stockholm University.
In 1979, Engvall joined Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in La Jolla, California (previously known as La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation). From 1993 to 1996, Engvall held dual appointments at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and as Chairperson of the Department of Developmental Biology at Stockholm University.