Structural characterization of LNP/mRNA vaccines by combining CryoEM, SAXS, and SANS
This project aims to determine the detailed structure of LNP/mRNA vaccines using CryoEM, SAXS, and SANS to improve future vaccine design and stability.
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: Stipend approximately $82,764 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical fellowship duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on structural characterization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)/mRNA vaccines using CryoEM, SAXS, and SANS to improve vaccine design and stability.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a Ph.D. earned within the last 5 years; research conducted on-site at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD; requires contacting Research Adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports research focused on the detailed structural characterization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations used for mRNA vaccine delivery. LNPs are critical for delivering nucleic acids such as mRNA, siRNA, or DNA into cells, with applications including vaccines and gene therapy. The project aims to elucidate the morphology and internal lipid/RNA distribution within LNPs, which are often complex and not simply uniform spheres but may contain distinct lipid and aqueous sub-compartments.
The research will employ complementary techniques:
- Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (CryoEM): To visualize LNP morphology and provide constraints for structural models.
- Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS): To obtain quantitative data on lipid and mRNA distribution within LNPs across multiple length scales.
Experimental variations include formulations with and without mRNA, with and without deuterated lipids (DSPC), and at different solvent D2O concentrations to enhance contrast in neutron scattering. Molecular modeling and simulated image calculations will support the assignment of lipid distributions within the LNP structure.
The ultimate goal is to correlate structural insights with functional activity and stability, thereby informing the design of improved LNP formulations for vaccines and therapeutics.
