ROLE SUMMARY

The Medicine Design group in Groton, CT is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled postdoctoral fellow to help discover new insights into the potential mechanisms modulating self-amplifying RNA delivery, using Lipid NanoParticles (LNPs) with a focus on endosomal escape and innate immune response.  This is a unique opportunity to participate in understanding cutting edge novel drug-delivery modality for vaccines and RNA therapeutics by specifically interrogating the pathways involved in endosomal trafficking of saRNA and the factors driving cellular permissiveness in physiologically relevant context.  This postdoctoral fellow will work collaboratively with the High Content Imaging group in Groton, CT and the Microscopy tech center in Kendal Square, Cambridge, MA to explore kinetics of cellular uptake and innate immune response by leveraging both super-resolution microscopy and high content imaging together with transcriptomics studies.

Applicants should have experience working independently in a laboratory setting and a broad understanding of biology. Previous experience is desired: Microscopy and high content imaging, RNA & saRNA biology, primary cell biology, Lipid nanoparticle expertise, Transcriptomics, kinetics by single cell tracking, molecular biology, Image analysis and data analysis software. In addition to technical skills, a successful candidate should possess personal drive, innovation to address scientific hurdles and strong communication skills.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute research project to identify mechanisms modulating saRNA-LNP endosomal trafficking and endosomal escape in primary cells and reporter cell lines.
• Generate in-vitro-expression and transcriptomics datasets for saRNA innate immune cell response in permissive and non-permissive cells.
• Assess the role of identified factors on saRNA delivery by using overexpression and knockdown in relevant primary cell systems.
• Working in collaboration with other RNA post-docs at Pfizer
• Publication and presentation of findings

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in cell biology or molecular biology
• Human primary cell culture and microscopy experience
• Cross-training and collaborating with other scientists
• Diligent notebook and record keeping
• Exceptional communication skills (oral and written)
• Eager to learn

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• RNA delivery In Vitro Expression (IVE) experience
• Image data analysis
• Lipid nanoparticle experience
• Super-resolution microscopy
• Knowledge of endosomal trafficking
• Knowledge of innate immune response
• Experience with transcriptomics

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking.
• Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and to work on a computer (while standing or sitting).
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret data.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Travel between Groton and Cambridge sites in a monthly basis will be required, and opportunities will be given to share data and attend appropriate meetings and conferences.
• Compliance with laboratory safety practices.

OTHER JOB DETAILS

Eligible for Relocation Assistance

Must Have Work Authorization in US