Postdoctoral Fellow (Antibody Engineering)

The Geneva Foundation • Silver Spring, MD

5d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow/Consultant supports the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, and research staff in developing and evaluating next-generation prophylactics. The role conducts proof-of-concept studies involving the design, expression, purification, and characterization of antibodies, single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), and bispecific scFvs (BS-scFvs) targeting key vaccine candidates.

The position works at the intersection of computational protein design, structural biology, artificial intelligence, and translational vaccinology, bridging computational approaches with hands-on wet-laboratory research. Alongside scientific work, the fellow assists with project execution, which may include enrollment targets, protocol adherence, monitoring visits, regulatory and administrative requirements, data management, and project close-out. The successful candidate works with investigators and research staff to meet scientific, operational, and regulatory objectives.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. The stated salary is $75,000; salary decisions consider external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Expertise in recombinant protein expression using mammalian and bacterial systems.
• Extensive experience in protein purification, including IMAC, SEC, and IEX, and quality control, including SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and HPLC.
• Demonstrated familiarity with structural and biophysical characterization techniques, particularly BLI/SPR.
• Direct experience using computational protein engineering suites.
• Excellent communication skills, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team.
• Competence in oral and written communication.
• Organization, attention to detail, and a positive, friendly, professional demeanor.
• Flexibility with changing priorities and availability to interact with employees, clients, and sponsors at all levels.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with strict deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• At least intermediate-level computer skills with Excel and other Microsoft Office software.
• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or other authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of medical research project management experience, strongly desired, preferably with the Department of Defense.
• Knowledge of the military system.

Responsibilities

• Use machine-learning and AI platforms, including AlphaFold3, RFdiffusion, ThermoMPNN, Rosetta, PROSS, PRoscan, and PyMOL, for computational antibody and protein design.
• Express proteins in mammalian systems, Escherichia coli, or alternative expression hosts.
• Purify proteins using chromatography platforms, including FPLC, affinity chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography.
• Evaluate protein purity, yield, and structural integrity.
• Conduct ELISA and Biolayer Interferometry to benchmark candidate molecules.
• Analyze, interpret, and integrate biochemical and biophysical datasets with downstream biological assay results generated by partners.
• Draft technical updates and comprehensive final reports for the project sponsor.
• Collaborate with and assist the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, and research team in performing the study.
• Contribute to drafting and submitting abstracts, manuscripts, and reports for dissemination.
• Prepare research progress reports as required.
• Analyze data and write up results.
• Present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
• Provide data management assistance and project close-out support.
• Assist with project execution, including meeting enrollment targets when applicable, maintaining protocol adherence, supporting monitoring visits, and overseeing regulatory and administrative requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree