Postdoctoral Fellow

Our lab has recently identified a new monoclonal antibody class that targets the pGlu-CSP site on P. falciparum sporozoites without interfering with current malaria vaccines and is thus able to confer sterilizing protection against sporozoite challenge in vivo (Dacon et al., Science 2025). This study confirmed the utility of using an antigen-agnostic approach to discover new antibodies against malaria targets, and our preliminary data suggests that other antibody targets on the sporozoite surface may be yet to be discovered.

As such, this postdoctoral fellow will work to identify monoclonal antibodies against new, non-CSP targets against sporozoites and against pGlu-CSP for future clinical development. We wish to increase our understanding of sporozoite surface antibody targets, find new prophylactic antibodies against malaria, and identify new pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine candidates. This position is ideal for a candidate with a strong immunology and/or molecular biology background who is interested in developing new interventions against malaria to be deployed in a real-world setting.

Lastly, the NIH Intramural Research Program also provides excellent training and career development opportunities. Trainees will receive health insurance as well as a stipend commensurate with experience.

Prospective applicants should have a Ph.D. immunology, molecular biology, and/or a relevant field, as well as experience in next-generation sequencing, including setting up barcoded libraries and bioinformatics data analysis for antibody discovery. A strong track record of scientific publications and effective collaboration, plus a willing to work as part of a team, will be required.

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Please visit NIH Equal Employment Opportunity site for more information. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.