FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship - Improving Biological Product Quality Using State-of-the-Art Analytics

Research Project

The Structural Biology section of the Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides (PS) is searching for a postdoctoral fellow for NMR studies of glycans, glycopeptides and glycoproteins. Possible projects include on-cell NMR, glycan-antibody interactions and glycoconjugate vaccine structure and dynamics. Experience with in-cell NMR, nuclear relaxation/dynamics and quantitative analysis are pluses.

Glycans form the basis of glycoconjugate vaccines, yet their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. This is because glycans structure-function relationships are poorly understood. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an excellent tool for obtaining detailed structural data at the atomic level. Therefore, projects in the group are aimed at improving our understanding of oligo- and polysaccharide structure and dynamics. Projects will focus on using NMR in novel ways to deepen and refine our insight into glycan structures, the equilibrium amongst multiple conformations and delineate details of the averaging we typically observe by NMR. Using these methods, we will analyze glycan structure of pneumococcal and meningococcal oligo- and polysaccharides both free and when conjugated to peptides and compare them to better understand their similarities and differences.

Currently, characterization of PS-conjugate vaccines is hampered by the complexity of PS-conjugates. This research aims to improve FDA-regulated product quality, safety, and efficacy for PS-conjugate vaccines. This project is designed to link three-dimensional oligo- and PS three-dimensional structure with function, will advance our understanding of oligo- and PS structure-function relationships. Through NMR structural studies, method development and the identification and quantification of key structural characteristics, the project will generate evidence that supports improved evaluation of PS-conjugate vaccines.

Learning Objectives

You will gain experience in state-of-the-art NMR methods used to characterize oligo- and polysaccharides and their three-dimensional structure and dynamics. You will also have access to multiple other biophysical characterization methods that will aid in further detailing three-dimensional oligo- and polysaccharide structure. There will be opportunities for you to learn and develop methods to isotopically label polysaccharides and characterize the polysaccharides in biological systems.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Daron I. Freedberg (Daron.Freedberg@fda.hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

May 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

Program Information

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing and anticipated to receive by September 30, 2026.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with solution NMR of biomolecules
• A background in quantitative analysis, biophysics and computers (Linux).

Additional Information

I am a U.S. citizen, or I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. (36 months do not have to be consecutive.)

and

I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.