Quantitation of AAV Genome Size

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a PREP associate to advance a project on novel measurement methods for AAV gene therapy vectors. You will help characterize partially filled capsids using advanced microscopy and analytics, and contribute to quality control methods for the gene therapy industry.

The role emphasizes producing, analyzing, and documenting results, with opportunities to present at internal meetings and scientific conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or closely related field.
• Proficiency in qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, and protein/nucleic acid quantification.
• Experience in quantitative data analysis and correlating results from multiple analytical methods.
• Experience in Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy.
• Experience in BSL-2 sample handling.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with publications/presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Participating in the production and purification of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) samples.
• Performing characterization of AAV preparations using ddPCR, ELISA, and SEC.
• Performing cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) analysis on AAV samples.
• Conducting atomic force microscopy (AFM) and chemical force microscopy (CFM) experiments.
• Analyzing and correlating data from CryoEM, AUC, and AFM to relate genome size, filling state, and capsid hydrophobicity.
• Adhering to biosafety protocols for AAVs and human cell lines.
• Presenting results at internal meetings and potentially at scientific conferences.
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ensuring that results, protocols, and data analysis are thoroughly documented and archived.

Skills

qPCR

ddPCR

ELISA

Protein quantification

Nucleic acid quantification

Data analysis

TEM

AFM

BSL-2 handling

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

CryoEM

AFM

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

The work will entail

This position supports a project focused on developing and validating novel measurement methods for adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors. The primary goal is to address the critical quality control issue of accurately characterizing and quantifying "partially full" viral capsids. The PREP associate will work with a unique set of AAV samples engineered with specifically sized DNA genomes to simulate known filling states. The core of the work involves using advanced microscopy and analytical techniques to establish a quantitative relationship between the AAV genome size, the physical filling state of the capsid, and the capsid's surface hydrophobicity. This research directly supports the NIST mission of advancing biomanufacturing by enabling the development of reference materials and more scalable quality control methods for the gene therapy industry.

Duties

• Participating in the production and purification of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) samples
• Performing characterization of AAV preparations using techniques such as droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
• Performing cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) analysis on AAV samples
• Conducting atomic force microscopy (AFM) and chemical force microscopy (CFM) experiments
• Analyzing and correlating data from CryoEM, Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), and AFM to establish clear relationships between AAV genome size, filling state, and capsid hydrophobicity
• Adhering to all biosafety protocols for materials such as AAVs and human cell lines
• Presenting results at internal meetings and potentially at scientific conferences
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals
• Ensuring that experimental results, protocols, and data analysis are thoroughly documented and archived

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a closely related field
• Proficiency in standard biochemical and molecular biology assays, such as qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, and protein/nucleic acid quantification
• Experience in quantitative data analysis and the ability to correlate results from multiple complex analytical methods
• Experience in Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy
• Experience in BSL-2 sample handling
• Strong oral and written communication skills, evidenced by a track record of publications and/or scientific presentations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team

An Associate at NIST is not a federal employee but collaborates with NIST on research projects of mutual interest and does not work exclusively on NIST mission-related activities. If you have any questions, please contact the International and Academic Affairs Office at [e-mail] .