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RAP opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology     NIST

Light-Scatter Nanoscopy of Gene Delivery Systems and Complex Bio-Nanoparticles

Location

Physical Measurement Laboratory, Sensor Science Division

opportunity location
50.68.51.C0887 Gaithersburg, MD

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

Advisers

name email phone
Aaron Goldfain aaron.goldfain@nist.gov 301.975.2338

Description

This project’s focus is to develop light-scattering nanoscopy methods for rapid, multi-attribute characterization of gene therapy particles at the single particle level. Emerging gene therapy treatments use gene delivery particles, such as viral vectors and non-viral carriers, to cure intractable diseases. But, because these complex nano-bioparticles are difficult to produce and accurately characterize, manufactured particles suffer heterogeneity issues which hinder treatment efficacy and safety. To speed treatment development and improve efficacy and safety we are developing interferometric optical microscopes to provide physical measurements (e.g. mass, size, concentration, composition) of individual gene delivery particles.

We are seeking candidates with backgrounds in optics, microscopy, instrumentation, optical modelling, and/or biophysics. Candidates will work closely with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers to design, build, and model novel instrumentation to advance our capabilities for characterizing gene delivery systems at the single-particle level. There will also be opportunities for interested candidates to develop advanced data processing techniques and gain experience working with gene delivery particles.

key words
microscopy; light scattering; gene therapy; imaging; interferometry; nanoparticles; gene delivery particles; viral vectors; lipid nanoparticles; biophotonics

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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