Postdoctoral Fellow I (Antibody Engineering)

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow/Consultant to support the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, and research staff in the development and evaluation of next-generation prophylactics. The successful candidate will conduct proof-of-concept studies involving the design, expression, purification, and characterization of antibodies, single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), and bispecific scFvs (BS-scFvs) targeting key vaccine candidates. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of computational protein design, structural biology, artificial intelligence, and translational vaccinology within a highly collaborative research environment. The candidate will bridge computational approaches with hands-on wet-laboratory research and contribute to the advancement of novel prophylactic strategies. In addition to laboratory and research responsibilities, the Postdoctoral Fellow/Consultant will assist with overall project execution, including ensuring enrollment targets are met when applicable, maintaining protocol adherence, supporting monitoring visits, overseeing regulatory and administrative requirements, assisting with data management, and providing project close-out support. The successful candidate will work closely with investigators and research staff to ensure scientific, operational, and regulatory objectives are achieved.

Responsibilities

Use machine-learning/AI platforms including AlphaFold3, RFdiffusion, ThermoMPNN, Rosetta, PROSS, PRoscan, PyMOL; Express proteins in mammalian expression system, Escherichia coli or alternative expression hosts; Perform protein purification using chromatography platforms (FPLC, affinity, size-exclusion chromatography); Evaluate the purity, yield, and structural integrity of protein molecules, conduct ELISA, Biolayer Interferometry to benchmark candidate molecules; Analyze, interpret, and integrate biochemical/biophysical datasets with downstream biological assay results generated by partners; Draft technical updates and final comprehensive reports for the project sponsor; Collaborate and assist the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators and research team in the performance of the research study; Contribute to the drafting and submitting of abstracts, manuscripts and reports for dissemination; Prepare progress reports on research as required; Analyze and write-up data; Present complex information effectively to a range of audiences; Provide data management assistance; Provide project close-out support

Requirements

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related scientific discipline; Expertise in recombinant protein expression mammalian and bacterial systems; Extensive experience in protein purification (IMAC, SEC, IEX) and quality control (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, HPLC); Demonstrated familiarity with structural and biophysical characterization techniques, particularly BLI/SPR; Direct experience using computational protein engineering suites; Excellent communication, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary, collaborative team environment; Demonstrate competence in oral and written communication; Must be organized, attentive to detail, and possess a positive, friendly and professional demeanor; Ability to be flexible with changing priorities and available to interact with employees, clients and sponsors of all levels; Ability to exercise independent judgment in fast-paced, high-pressured environment with strict deadlines and to manage multiple projects; Computer skills including at least intermediate level experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office Software; Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

Nice to have

1-2 years medical research project management experience strongly desired, preferably with Department of Defense; Knowledge of military system, preferred