Structural Profiling of mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutic Platform Technologies

---

Description

This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports postdoctoral research focused on the structural profiling of mRNA vaccine and therapeutic platform technologies. The research aims to address critical questions about how mRNA structure, including untranslated regions (UTRs), open reading frames, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations, influence the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.

mRNA vaccines and biotherapeutics represent a promising platform for rapid response to emerging diseases by delivering packaged mRNAs that instruct patient cells to produce antigenic proteins or therapeutic drugs. Recent advances—such as modified nucleosides, engineered UTRs, and LNP encapsulation—have improved stability, immunogenicity, and delivery challenges. However, the detailed impact of mRNA structural variations and the interchangeability of mRNA sequences within LNPs remain open research questions.

The project employs a multi-modal approach combining cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM), small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS), and chemical footprinting techniques like SHAPE to establish and harmonize best practices for structural profiling. The goal is to develop rigorous assessment and quality assurance methods aligned with pharmaceutical industry standards.

Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• November 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.

Funding Amount

• Annual stipend: Approximately $82,764
• Annual travel allowance: $3,000
• Typical appointment duration: 2 years
• No supplementation indicated

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
• Degree: Must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate prior to starting tenure
• Career stage: Postdoctoral applicants (doctoral degree held less than 5 years as of application deadline)
• Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowship at NIST may be ineligible; research collaborations are generally acceptable unless continuing the same project or adviser
• Security: May require satisfactory completion of National Agency Check or other clearance processes

Application Process

• Applicants must first contact the proposed Research Adviser at NIST to discuss research projects and funding availability before applying.
• Applications are submitted through the NRC Research Associateship Programs online system.
• Required materials include:
  • Profile information (contact, education history, transcripts)
  • Research proposal (up to 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
• Transcripts must be current and uploaded; unofficial transcripts accepted initially but official transcripts required if awarded.
• Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the application deadline.
• Applicants may apply to up to three different agencies but only one application per agency per cycle.
• Review panels composed of experts in relevant scientific disciplines evaluate applications based on academic record, research merit, and fit with agency mission.
• Applicants scoring 70 or above on a 100-point scale are recommended for awards, subject to funding availability.

Additional Information

• Research is conducted on-site at NIST's Material Measurement Laboratory, Biomolecular Measurement Division, located in Gaithersburg, MD.
• Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure; group health insurance is available with shared costs.
• Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance, meetings, or fieldwork.
• The fellowship offers mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to contribute to government research priorities.
• Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must have a minimum two-year gap before applying again.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• Research Opportunity at NIST - Structural Profiling of mRNA Vaccines
• NRC RAP For Applicants - Application Instructions and Deadlines
• Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)

Contact Information

For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs and application process, contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.