Postdoctoral Research Fellow-Immunotherapeutic Design

Pfizer
La Jolla, California
Competitive
April 08 2021
4782170
Full Time
Pharma
ROLE SUMMARY

The Immunotherapeutic Design group in La Jolla, CA, generates large molecule immunotherapeutics that promote anti-tumor activity. Together with the Structural Biology Protein Sciences group that focuses on the structure elucidation of protein-small molecule complexes, we are seeking a qualified candidate to join us as a Postdoctoral Fellow. The successful candidate will work across both groups to elucidate the structural basis of unconventional peptide presentation by MHC I molecules and the effect on activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells.The candidate will design HLA allele-specific peptides, characterize their interaction with MHC class I using protein crystallography, and assess their activity in vitro assays using cytotoxicity assays. The ideal candidate will be exposed to both crystallography and immunology and will receive cross-disciplinary training.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Expression of MHC I alleles and refolding with designed peptides using established refolding methods
  • Structure determination of MHCI-peptide complexes using X-ray crystallography
  • Measuring NK cell activation using cytotoxicity assays
  • Staining of CD8+ T cells and NK cells using flow cytometry
  • Dissemination of results via peer-reviewed publications and presentations


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Recent PhD in Immunology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with first author publication(s) in peer-reviewed and internationally renowned journals
  • Technical expertise in protein expression and purification, as well as protein crystallography.
  • Cell-culture, cytotoxicity assays (e.g DELFIA immunoassay)
  • The ability to plan and execute experiments independently


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Reporter cell line generation (YTS and 293T cells)
  • Flow cytometry experience
  • Protein binding kinetics (SPR, BLI)
  • Strong understanding of immunology.
  • Motivated, proactive, and eager to learn.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Advanced molecular design proficiency.

Additional Details:
  • Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus
  • Eligible for Relocation Package Benefit


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Research and Development

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