Translational Antiviral Drug Discovery & Protein Chemistry Postdoctoral Research

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will engage in efforts to advance translational antiviral drug discovery. Research activities will include recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical screening assay development, computational structural modeling, cell-based antiviral validation studies, and exposure to preclinical small-animal research models.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in research activities that include, but are not limited to:

• Designing, collecting, and analyzing of recombinant protein expression and purification pipelines to yield high-quality, stable viral and host targets.
• Optimizing and evaluating biochemical small-molecule library screening assays using purified protein targets to identify potential therapeutic candidates.
• Applying computational structural tools to model target structures, map binding pockets, and integrate structural insights with laboratory assays.
• Designing and executing cell-based assays to analyze compound-mediated target inactivation, degradation, or inhibition of viral replication.
• Translating benchtop biochemical findings into in vivo preclinical small animal models to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Gaining exposure to cutting-edge transcriptomic, proteomic, and "imageomic" (high-content image informatics) datasets, as well as exploring the application of research findings to advanced 3D models such as organoids and 3D bioprinted tissues
• Learning about high-content, automated phenotypic drug screening pipelines against high-consequence pathogens of biodefense interests.
• Learning non-infectious surrogate viral systems, including pseudo typed viruses, minigenome systems, and virus-like particles (VLPs).
• Learning the operational, scientific, and regulatory steps required to translate in vitro molecular hits into small animal preclinical evaluation models.
• Processing and integrating complex transcriptomic, proteomic, and image-based data to map host-pathogen interactions and drug mechanisms of action.
• Developing a comprehensive, systems-level understanding of the viral life cycle, host-virus dynamics, and the pharmacological mechanisms of small-molecule therapeutics.

Frederick, Maryland

The USAMRIID is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by MRIID. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

While participants will not enter an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of…