Staff Scientist

Job Details

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Staff Scientist

Laboratory of Immunogenetics

Antibody Biology Unit

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.

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.

Qualifications

Required

• 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

• 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

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. A full benefits package is available, including retirement, health insurance, life and long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).

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.

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 joshuahoongyu.tan@nih.gov.

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Visit NIH Equal Employment Opportunity site for more information.