Innate Immunity

A post-doctoral Research Biologist (contractor) position is available immediately in the Laboratory of Innate Immunity headed by Daniela Verthelyi in the Office of Biotechnology Products (OBP) at the Center for Drugs Evaluations and Research, US-FDA. The lab is focused on developing tools to monitor and control innate immune and inflammatory responses. 

Biological medicinal products, whether recombinant, synthetic, or naturally derived have the potential to induce an immune response in the host that can impact on their safety and efficacy of the product. Amongst the more serious adverse effects (SAE) caused by product immunogenicity are the induction of anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions, cytokine release syndromes, loss of efficacy and, in rare cases, the onset of long lasting autoimmune or deficiency syndromes.  Our lab develops platforms to study and predict the effect of product and process related impurities in therapeutic peptides and proteins that could modify the immunogenicity risk of a product. The current project involves the development of in vitro and in vivo systems to improve the prediction of immunogenicity for therapeutic peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides by exploring the joint effect of product aggregates and impurities on the innate immune milieu. 

This position will be appointed for one year via a fellowship from ORISE (see http://orise.orau.gov/fda/), with the potential for renewal on an annual basis (contingent on excellent performance). ORISE fellowships are available for U.S. citizens, non-citizens with permanent resident status, or non-citizens that are eligible for a J-1 visa, and must have resided in the US for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes an allowance for mandatory health insurance.

The optimal candidate will have a PhD degree in immunology and experience in protein characterization, molecular biology, and/or the use of animal models (rodent and NHP). Independence, initiative, and excellent verbal and writing communication skills are a must.

Qualified candidates should send in electronic format: a detailed curriculum vitae, including descriptions of laboratory experience, responsibilities, and/or pertinent recent coursework; a short cover letter outlining research interests, research experience, and future goals; and names of at least 3 scientists or faculty as references (with contact information, including e-mail addresses and phone numbers) to daniela.verthelyifda.hhs.gov. Please include the words “Post-doctoral application” on the subject line. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.