FDA Fellowship - Structural Vaccinology

Research Project

You will join a new laboratory that uses cryo-electron microscopy to understand how viral proteins are recognized by antibodies at an atomic level, and how that recognition can be exploited to design effective vaccines. You will learn to design and execute experiments to determine the structures of clinically relevant viral proteins and their associated antibodies and receptors. This is an exciting opportunity for those who want to learn structural biology and apply new ideas to antigen design.

• Express protein through transient transfection
• Purify protein (affinity and size exclusion chromatography)
• Conduct protein binding experiments (ELISA or SPR)
• Develop and optimize protocols for sample preparation and imaging by cryo-EM
• Collect and analyze cryo-EM data using a Tundra microscope
• Monitor and troubleshoot experiments
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data
• Write scientific manuscripts and design figures to communicate scientific findings
• Develop new projects using structural biology to enable vaccine development
• Build and analyze atomic-level protein models

Level of Participation:
Full-time. Appointment Length:
Initially one year, subject to renewal and contingent on funding availability. Participant Stipend:
Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements:
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and qualified foreign nationals. Non‑U.S. citizen applicants must meet the immigration status guidelines as described on the program website. Proof of health insurance is required for participation.

Mentor:
Jason Gorman (Jason.

Gorman.gov)

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Structural Biology, Virology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field, completed within the past five years, or expected completion prior to the start date.
• Background in protein expression, purification, and structural biology is preferred, but drive, initiative, and an enthusiastic attitude can compensate for limited experience.

• Organizational and communication skills
• Drive to learn new techniques
• Experience with protein expression in mammalian cells
• Experience with protein purification
• Record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals
• Knowledge of immunology and virology
• Experience with structural biology software (PyMOL, Phenix, Chimera, etc.)

• Master’s or doctoral degree received within the last 60 months or currently being pursued.
• Affirmation:
  • I have lived in the United States for at least 36 of the past 60 months (these need not be consecutive).
  • I have read and understood the FDA Ethics Requirements.
  • I expect to receive my degree prior to the start of the appointment.