PREP Research Associate

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience
(PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at
academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be
the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to
work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that
underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title:
Quantitation of AAV genome size
The work will entail:
This position supports a project focused on developing and validating novel measurement methods for
adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors. The primary goal is to address the critical quality
control issue of accurately characterizing and quantifying "partially full" viral capsids. The PREP associate
will work with a unique set of AAV samples engineered with specifically sized DNA genomes to simulate
known filling states. The core of the work involves using advanced microscopy and analytical techniques
to establish a quantitative relationship between the AAV genome size, the physical filling state of the
capsid, and the capsid's surface hydrophobicity. This research directly supports the NIST mission of
advancing biomanufacturing by enabling the development of reference materials and more scalable
quality control methods for the gene therapy industry.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
 Participating in the production and purification of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) samples
 Performing characterization of AAV preparations using techniques such as droplet digital PCR
(ddPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
 Performing cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) analysis on AAV samples
 Conducting atomic force microscopy (AFM) and chemical force microscopy (CFM) experiments
 Analyzing and correlating data from CryoEM, Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), and AFM to
establish clear relationships between AAV genome size, filling state, and capsid hydrophobicity.
 Adhering to all biosafety protocols for materials such as AAVs and human cell lines.
 Presenting results at internal meetings and potentially at scientific conferences.
 Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals
 Ensuring that experimental results, protocols, and data analysis are thoroughly documented and
archived
Qualifications
 A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a closely related field.
 Experience with the production, purification, and characterization of viral vectors (particularly
AAV), viruses, or other biologics.
 Proficiency in standard biochemical and molecular biology assays, such as qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA,
and protein/nucleic acid quantification.
 Experience in quantitative data analysis and the ability to correlate results from multiple
complex analytical methods.
 Strong oral and written communication skills, evidenced by a track record of publications and/or
scientific presentations.

 Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team
Privacy Act Statement
Authority:  15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose:  The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the  Professional Research
Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial
assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree
holders, postdocs, and faculty.  
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities
to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education
in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences,
chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale
science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is
needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses:  NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the
applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this
information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of
Records Notices:  NIST-1: NIST Associates. 
Disclosure:  Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your
voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.