Job DescriptionPostdoctoral Research Fellow - Polysaccharide conjugate vaccine antigen processing and MHC II-restricted epitopes presentation in antigen presenting cells Research Fellow in the Large Molecule Analytical Location: West Point, PA
Position Overview:We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to join the Large Molecule Analytical, in a collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Analysis & Digital Technologies Department at our company. The successful candidate will initiate an independent research project focused on developing and applying the innovative approach of MHC II-restricted peptide and polysaccharide (PS) epitope mapping. The goal of this work is to deepen our understanding underlying vaccine mechanism of action (MoA) and vaccine efficacy. This position offers broad opportunities for collaborations across our company, ranging from vaccine MoA understanding, polysaccharide separation, and Mass Spectrometry. The research will contribute to advancing vaccine understanding and data-driven decision-making in vaccine design. The expectation is that this work will enhance the current knowledge of how a polysaccharide conjugate vaccine is processed and presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs), enabling rational vaccine optimization. This approach is aimed to ultimately impact our company's pipeline of vaccine development, as well as the scientific community by yielding publications in high-tier scientific journals.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:- Independent end to end experimental design and execution to address the studies with model antigen selected and drive conclusions to next steps and MoA understanding.
- Design, planning, and preparation of MHC II-peptide/glycopeptide complexes from various types of human APCs.
- Purification of MHC II complexes through immunoprecipitation.
- Identify peptide and PS epitopes isolated from different kinds of human APCs.
- Assess human T-cell activation using synthesized immunodominant peptides or peptides conjugated with PS.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to design and execute the experiments, analyze results and interpret data.
- Clearly communicate results with colleagues and the external scientific community through presentations and publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.
Education Minimum Requirement:- Must currently hold a Ph.D. OR
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
- Ph.D. degree in Immunology, Virology, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or a related discipline.
Required Experience and Skills:- Experience in mammalian cell culture, immunological assays including ELISA, Western Blot, and Flow Cytometry.
- Significant experience in MHC I / MHC II-restricted epitope identification/mapping, preferably using immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry analysis, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing.
- Motivated to solve complex problems by undertaking innovative approaches and applying state-of-the-art technologies.
- Demonstrated ability to be self-driven to address scientific challenges.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:- Have a deep understanding of immunology, virology, and/or bacteriology, and are capable of making contributions to advance these fields.
- Familiarity with biophysical and biochemical characterization techniques such as Mass Spectrometry, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a plus.
- Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with peers within and across departments.
- Effective organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Experience training and mentoring junior scientists.
The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Required Skills:Blotting Techniques, Cell Culture Techniques, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunoassays, Immunology Research, Immunoprecipitation, Mechanism of Action, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing
Preferred Skills:Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Employee Status: Regular
Relocation:Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:Yes
Travel Requirements:10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:Not Applicable
Shift:Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:No
Hazardous Material(s):N/A
Job Posting End Date:10/12/2026
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