NIST-MedImmune Fellowship

NIST-NedImmune Fellowship

Federal Post‐Doctoral Fellowship Opening: Joint project between MedImmune & NIST

There is an immediate opening for a post‐doctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD (about 25 miles from downtown Washington DC).

Project description: A major goal during formulation and fill/finish operations of biologics such as monoclonal antibody therapeutics is to minimize sub-visible particle (SVP) formation, yet the mechanisms responsible for SVP formation are not well understood. The objective of this project is to elucidate how flow encountered during manufacturing unit operations and the presence of different material surfaces affect antibody conformation and stability, viz., SVP formation. We will exploit in-situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) under flow (Rheo-SANS) for this purpose, using special fixtures to explore the effect of various surfaces commonly encountered by monoclonal antibodies during clinical and commercial manufacturing and fill/finish operations of drug products.

Collaboration: This is a joint project as part of a comprehensive Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) between MedImmune, a member of the AstraZeneca group, and NIST for several joint projects. This project is led by Dr. Jai Pathak (Formulation Sciences Dept., MedImmune), Dr. Steven Hudson (Polymers and Complex Fluids Group, NIST), and Dr. Joseph Curtis (NIST Center for Neutron Research). The post-doc will be a US federal employee at NIST, and will have access to MedImmune scientific expertise as well as laboratories at the global R&D headquarters of MedImmune, which are located adjacent to the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD.

Suitable disciplines: Candidates who will have been awarded Ph.D. degrees in Physics, Bio- Physics, Applied Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated competence in neutron scattering methods and modeling. Previous background in rheology, computer simulation, protein biophysics, surface adsorption is preferred, but not required. A strong background in scattering methods and colloid and interface science will be a distinguishing asset.

Salary and benefits: At a salary of $65,000 / year, the fellowship is funded for a maximum of three years; renewal will be granted at the end of each year based on satisfactory performance. For benefits information see http://www.nist.gov/ohrm/benefits/index.cfm

Citizenship requirement: Interested applicants must have US citizenship, since the successful candidate will be a US federal govt. employee. Non US citizens will not be considered for this position.

Application procedure : If interested, please send a cv and cover letter to Steven Hudson (steven.hudson [at] nist.gov (steven[dot]hudson[at]nist[dot]gov)).