• Postdoctoral Fellow (Prep0003212)

    Johns Hopkins University (Gaithersburg, MD)


    PREP Research Associate

     

    This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

    Research Title:

    Postdoc in Light-Scatter Microscopy of Gene Delivery Nanoparticles

    The work will entail:

    The Sensor Science Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to advance novel light-scattering interferometric microscopy techniques for comprehensive, single-particle-level analysis of gene therapy nanoparticles. The postdoc will work closely with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers to design, build, and model new optical microscopes to provide physical measurements (such as mass, size, concentration, composition) of individual gene delivery nanoparticles. These physical parameters are crucial to the development and optimization of gene delivery therapies. For additional details about this research, please visit our program website: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/gene-delivery-particle-analysis-high-throughput-light-scattering-microscopy.

     

    Salary starts at $82,764.

     

    Interested candidates can reach out to Aaron Goldfain ([email protected]) for more information.

    Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

    • Designing, improving, and using novel NIST-built laser-based light scattering microscopes for quantitative nanoparticle characterization.

    • Building optical models of gene delivery nanoparticles and light-scattering microscopes.

    • Conducting experimental investigations to validate instrument performance and characterize nanoparticle physical characteristics and heterogeneity.

    • Collaborating with researchers to develop innovative algorithms for data analysis and interpretation.

    • Collaborating with researchers to evaluate the impact of particle heterogeneity on gene delivery efficacy.

    • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences and workshops.

    • A PhD in Physics, Optics, Biophysics, or a related field.

    • Less than 5 years of relevant post-PhD experience.

    • Familiarity or experience with optical models of particle light scatter and/or optical instruments.

    • Familiarity or experience with optical imaging and/or microscopy.

    • Enthusiasm for learning new theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques.

    • Programming experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar.

     

    Salary: $82,764 a year

    Please upload the following with your application:

    - CV/Resume

    - 2 professional references

    *Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Please DO NOT include telephone numbers, home address or photos on your resume.

     

    Privacy Act Statement

     

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

     

    Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) (https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/nist-professional-research-experience-program-prep) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.

     

    PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.

     

    Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.

     

    Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

    Job Type: Full Time

    The listed salary range represents the minimum and maximum Johns Hopkins University offers for this position, based on a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, market conditions, education, and internal equity. Not all candidates will qualify for the highest salary in the range.

     

    Johns Hopkins provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting health, career, and retirement. Learn more: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

     

    Equal Opportunity Employer

     

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

    EEO is the Law

    https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf