Postdoctoral Fellow (Antibody Engineering)

About the Position

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.

Work Authorization Requirement

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Pay and benefits

Salary Range $75,000. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate's related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Wet-Lab Experience: 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.
• Computational Skills: Direct experience using computational protein engineering suites.
• Skills: Excellent communication, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary, collaborative team environment.
• 1-2 years medical research project management experience strongly desired, preferably with Department of Defense
• Knowledge of military system, preferred.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Computational Antibody & Protein Design: Use machine-learning/AI platforms including AlphaFold3, RFdiffusion, ThermoMPNN, Rosetta, PROSS, PRoscan, PyMOL.
• Recombinant Protein Expression & Purification: Express proteins in mammalian expression system, Escherichia coli or alternative expression hosts. Perform protein purification using chromatography platforms (FPLC, affinity, size-exclusion chromatography).
• Biophysical & Biochemical Characterization: Evaluate the purity, yield, and structural integrity of protein molecules, conduct ELISA, Biolayer Interferometry to benchmark candidate molecules.
• Project Management, Collaboration & Reporting: 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 Principle Investigator, Co-Investigators and research team in the performance 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