Postdoctoral Fellow – Atomic-Resolution Structural Information of Biologics

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow – Atomic-Resolution Structural Information of Biologics

Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Department: Physiochemical Development

Make a Difference in Biologics Innovation

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the field of biologics structure and dynamics? AstraZeneca is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join our talented team of scientists dedicated to advancing atomic-resolution technologies—such as solution-state NMR spectroscopy—that probe the higher-order structure of protein therapeutics.

About Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD)

At AstraZeneca, Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) supports diverse and novel molecular modalities across all therapeutic areas. BPD integrates expertise in:

• Cell Biology
• Process science
• Molecular structure and function
• Solution and solid-state chemistry
• Advanced data analytics
• Engineering

Our mission is to develop industry-leading technologies that transform biologics development.

Key Responsibilities

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will have the exciting opportunity to address the unmet need for atomic-resolution structural insights into biologics without requiring sophisticated, labor-intensive sample preparation. This project aims to advance the fields of structural biology and NMR spectroscopy, while also identifying higher-order structure (HOS) signatures in antibody therapeutics. These HOS signatures are critical for understanding physicochemical properties that significantly influence clinical development and biological activity.

Your Impact

• Establish HOS signatures of IgG antibodies using solution-state NMR spectroscopy.
• Identify residue-specific diagnostic signals, enabling structural and dynamic analysis of antibodies.
• Collaborate on isotopic enrichment experiments with engineered IgG antibodies to detect subtle perturbations in HOS.
• Advance the field by developing methods to study new candidates without isotopic enrichment, leveraging sequence and structural similarities between IgG antibodies.

Why Join Us?

Cutting-Edge Research

You’ll work on groundbreaking projects using solution-state NMR spectroscopy to rationalize differences in physicochemical properties and biological activity of protein therapeutics. This research will push the boundaries of structural biology and generate impactful results, including the publication of two scientific papers, one of which is expected to be high-impact.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you’ll collaborate with the Biomolecular Structure and Function Group at NIST, led by Dr. John Marino. This group is an internationally recognized leader in NMR of biologics. The partnership between AstraZeneca and NIST offers access to:

• Specialized staff and supervision
• State-of-the-art equipment and resources
• Collaborative facilities at AstraZeneca (Gaithersburg, MD) and NIST

Professional Growth

This role provides a rare opportunity to gain experience in both industry and academia, equipping you with the tools for future success. You will be supported by:

• Nicole Swope, Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca
• Curt Zanelotti, Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca

You’ll develop expertise in cutting-edge research, drug development, and scientific leadership in a collaborative environment.

About the Role

Key Techniques and Responsibilities
Your work will focus on molecular biology, protein expression, and advanced characterization, including:

• Protein expression in bacterial and yeast systems, with uniform and selective isotopic labeling.
• Protein purification and biophysical characterization using solution-state NMR spectroscopy.
• Hands-on data acquisition and computational processing for multi-dimensional NMR analysis.
• Application of complementary analytical methods, such as mass spectrometry, SEC-MALS, and DSF, to advance project objectives.

What We’re Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Structural Biology, or a related field. (Thesis must be defended before the start date.)
• Strong background in protein chemistry, including folding, dynamics, and function.
• Extensive laboratory experience in recombinant protein expression and purification from bacterial or yeast systems.
• Hands-on experience with multi-dimensional NMR techniques and data processing.
• Familiarity with biophysical or bioanalytical methods, such as DLS, DSF, CD, DSC, x-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or mass spectrometry.
• A maximum of 5 years of postdoctoral research experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with protein engineering and design.
• Familiarity with stable isotopic labeling of proteins.
• Working knowledge of Linux environments and shell scripting, or programming languages such as Python/R.
• Experience with chemometric techniques and multivariate analysis, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA).

Req Open Date: Jan 13, 2025

Req Close Date: Feb 8, 2025

Stages of interview: Applicants are reviewed for fit/skills and invited to each step. You may not be invited to each step. (1) One-way video interview and (2)

Virtual Interview Panel with presentation.

To find out more go to: astrazeneca.com and https://careers.astrazeneca.com/bpd

We anticipate a high volume of applicants, so do not delay, applying today!

Compensation for this role, depending on years of research experience, is a minimum of US$96,000 up to Max of US$104,000 short-term incentive. Some relocation supplements depend on distance and location at the employer's discretion.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Salary : $96,000