Postdoctoral Fellow

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop a novel antibody discovery platform. This role involves the use of next-generation sequencing and microfluidics to combat major pathogens like malaria and TB.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in genome sciences or molecular biology and will thrive in a collaborative research environment. The position offers health insurance and excellent training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Experience in next-generation sequencing, including barcode demultiplexing.
• Experience in bioinformatics, particularly in analysis of complex genetic datasets.
• Track record of scientific publications.
• Collaborative and willing to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop a novel antibody discovery platform using next-generation sequencing, microfluidics, and library display.
• Conduct research on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
• Collaborate within the Antibody Biology Unit.

Skills

Next-generation sequencing

Bioinformatics

Collaborative team work

Education

Ph.D. in genome sciences, molecular biology, or biochemistry

Job description

Department and Institute

Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Position Title

Postdoctoral Fellow – a novel NGS-based platform for antibody discovery

Unit

Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Antibody Biology Unit

Overview

The Antibody Biology Unit in the Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) aims to discover therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to combat major pathogens, including malaria, TB and infectious viruses. A postdoctoral position is available in the Antibody Biology Unit, headed by Dr. Joshua Tan, to establish a novel antibody discovery platform using next-generation sequencing, microfluidics, and library display.

Background

Monoclonal antibodies are powerful tools for the treatment of infectious and immunological disease. The Tan lab has recently identified rare monoclonal antibodies that target the malaria parasite (Dacon et al., Science 2025; Wang et al., Cell 2024), and broadly neutralizing antibodies against coronaviruses (Dacon et al., Science 2022) that are lead candidates for clinical development. However, even the most advanced current methods for antibody discovery are labor‑ and time-intensive. Recent advances in library display, microfluidics and next‑generation sequencing have provided the tools to construct large‑scale antibody panels that can be screened at will for potent neutralizing antibodies against any target of interest. However, this potential has not yet been realized with the construction of a workable platform that fully utilizes these developments. This project aims to use advances in these fields to develop a new method of antibody discovery that is substantially faster than existing methods.

Preferred candidate

This position is ideal for a candidate with a strong genome sciences or molecular biology background who is interested in making a real‑world impact on how we prevent and treat disease. The NIH Intramural program also provides excellent training and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (genome sciences, molecular biology, or biochemistry)
• Experience in next‑generation sequencing, including barcode demultiplexing and association with protein variants
• Experience in bioinformatics, particularly in analysis of complex genetic datasets
• Track record of scientific publications
• Collaborative and willing to work as part of a team

Benefits and Compensation

Trainees will receive health insurance as well as a stipend commensurate with experience.

Eligibility

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen (visa requirements apply).

Application Process

Interested candidates should send the following to Joshua Tan, Ph.D., Chief, Antibody Biology Unit, NIAID, NIH at [e-mail]:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of reference

Equal Opportunity Statement

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