Job Posting: Staff Scientist, Laboratory of Immunogenetics Antibody Biology Unit

Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), conducts and supports a global program of research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Antibody Biology Unit (ABU) in the Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, seeks a staff scientist to join the team.

Research at the ABU focuses on the discovery of human monoclonal antibodies to combat infectious and autoimmune disease through the use of cutting-edge technology to study B cells at the single-cell level. These monoclonal antibodies will be evaluated for the ability to prevent or treat disease in pre-clinical models, followed by clinical trial evaluation of down selected antibody candidates. The antibodies will also be used to guide immunogen design through the delineation of the target epitopes of the most potent antibodies. The Unit currently focuses on diseases with substantial burden around the world or in the United States.

Duties

This staff scientist position is meant to support overall research operations of the ABU. Responsibilities include performing experiments to screen B cells, isolating monoclonal antibodies, testing antibodies for binding affinity, epitope specificity and potency, and analyzing large datasets of antibody sequences. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for training postdoctoral fellows and other staff members in complex laboratory techniques involved in antibody discovery and characterization. The staff scientist will also be responsible for ensuring smooth laboratory operations and will interact with intramural and extramural collaborators.

The position is ideal for a scientist who has extensive experience in antibody discovery and characterization, including generation and analysis of next-generation sequencing paired heavy and light chain datasets, as well as molecular, biophysical (e.g. SPR, BLI) and functional assays to characterize monoclonal antibodies.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in immunology, biochemistry, bioengineering or structural biology
• Minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral experience, including experience in antibody discovery
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• A distinguished record of peer-reviewed publications in areas relevant to antibody discovery
• Experience with Beacon optofluidics device (or similar) and Carterra LSA/Cytiva Biacore (or similar)
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library generation and data analysis

Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials electronically to the NIH Specialized Scientific Jobs portal:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Bibliography
• Brief statement on their background and interests in the position
• 3 letters of reference

For additional information about the position, email Joshua Tan, Ph.D., at [email protected].

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization.

This position is subject to a background investigation.