FDA Research Opportunity in Molecular Biology of the Zika Virus
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available in the Office of Blood Research and Review (OBRR), at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The project goals involve two specific aims to study Zika Virus (ZIKV) biology of infection/pathogenesis and diagnostic assay development. The recent spread of ZIKV throughout the Americas is responsible for miscarriage and birth defects in unborn humans; as well as neurological disorders in adults. Mosquitoes generally spread ZIKV through the human population, but the virus is also sexually transmitted. ZIKV infects the reproductive organs ovaries and testicles. Reaching the testes, where immune cells are not present, ZIKV infects testicular cells where it replicates and can be spread sexually, even when the virus is no longer detectable in the blood. The Diagnostic for ZIKV virus is very challenging and only molecular techniques can clearly differentiate ZIKV from other flaviviruses such as Dengue Virus (DENV) types 1, 2, 3 and 4. The serological diagnostic is plagued with cross-reactivity that interferes even with gold standard neutralization assays. We have been working on peptide arrays to identify epitopes that would allow discrimination among these viruses and potentially identify antibodies raised specifically against ZIKV.
Specific aim 1 - Development of a microphysiological system for evaluating Zika virus sexual transmission countermeasures
This specific aim is a collaboration with the NCTR. Dr. Petibone's laboratory at NCTR, who has expertise in the development of rats testicular organoids using microphysiological system (MPS) technology. The research aims to develop non-human primate testicular organoids to study ZIKV infection, and replication to assist in the potential countermeasures to prevent sexual transmission. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the execution of techniques used in cell biology, Virology and molecular biology including but not limited to: cell culture, viral growth curve, viral purification in sucrose gradient, titration for viral load and infectivity, genetic sequencing, etc.
Specific aim 2 - Development of reagents for the expansion of specific and sensitive diagnostic devices among flaviviruses
This specific aim is a collaboration with CDRH. Dr Garcia has been engaged in evaluating ZIKV epitopes compared to other flavivirus including 4 DENV viral types, Yellow fever virus and West Nile virus, search for specific epitopes. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in virology and immunology techniques including but not limited to tissue culture techniques, ELISA, Western blot, immunoblotting, ELISA, PCR and applications, and have bioinformatic skills.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 1, 2020
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by May 1, 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred skills:
- Demonstrated experience in molecular biology, genetics, virology and immunology
- Additional skills in confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and binding assays
This opportunity is available to US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CBER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-CBER-2020-0019) in your email.