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RAP opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology     NIST

Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy of Higher Order Structures of Protein

Location

Material Measurement Laboratory, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division

opportunity location
50.64.41.B8571 Gaithersburg, MD

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

Advisers

name email phone
Young Jong Lee youngjong.lee@nist.gov 301.975.6832

Description

The goal of this research is to advance vibrational spectroscopy techniques for selective and sensitive characterization of the higher order structure (HOS) of proteins, which require specific 3D conformations to function properly. Any abnormalities in their structures can result in serious health-related problems or drug efficacy losses. However, all current methods have nontrivial limitations in obtaining reliable, rapid measurements that are sensitive to HOS. We develop advanced vibrational spectroscopic techniques that are more sensitive to structured molecular backbones than side groups. One approach is to use chiral coherent Raman spectroscopy that is sensitive to helical backbones of proteins and can acquire a spectrum >100 times faster than conventional spontaneous chiral Raman. The other approach is to use quantum cascade laser (QCL)-based absorption spectroscopy that can measure the secondary structures of proteins in aqueous solutions with a better concentration sensitivity than conventional FT-IR methods. The impacts of these advanced spectroscopic techniques are not only on biological sciences but also biopharmaceutical industries and other healthcare industries.

key words
Protein; Higher Order Structure; Therapeutic Protein; Raman Spectroscopy; Vibrational Spectroscopy; High Sensitivity; QCL-IR Spectroscopy; Coherent Raman

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens
Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Stipend

Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$82,764.00 $3,000.00
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