Supramolecular Structures on Lipid Membranes: Understanding Viral Assembly
This grant studies how HIV and similar viruses assemble on cell membranes by examining the structure and function of viral protein complexes.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $82,764/year with $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research to study the assembly of HIV and other retroviruses on lipid membranes using advanced biophysical techniques at NIST and collaborating institutions.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens holding a Ph.D. within the last 5 years; projects tailored to applicant expertise; access to world-class facilities including neutron scattering and microscopy.
Description
This fellowship opportunity focuses on understanding the formation and function of large molecular complexes on cellular membranes, with a particular emphasis on the assembly of HIV-1 viruses on infected cell membranes. The viral Gag protein forms extensive lateral networks on the membrane surface, nucleating viral assembly sites and linking viral genomic RNA to the lipid envelope.
The research is conducted at the NIST Center for Neutron Research in collaboration with a leading virology laboratory at the National Cancer Institute. It employs cutting-edge biophysical methods such as neutron reflectivity, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), x-ray scattering, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), impedance spectroscopy, and advanced computational simulations. Additional resources include state-of-the-art protein expression and labeling facilities, as well as fluorescence and electron microscopy for in vivo and cell-based experiments.
Projects are designed to align with the Associate’s interests and expertise, welcoming applicants from biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering backgrounds. The Associate is expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and engage in interdisciplinary research.
