Postdoctoral Scholar, Vaccine and Antibody Development: Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics

The Pravetoni laboratory in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar interested in development of vaccines, antibody-based strategies, and other novel interventions for substance use disorders (SUD), drug overdose, and other emerging chemical or biological threats. Dr. Pravetoni is the Director of the Center for Medication Development for Substance Use Disorders & Overdose. Current efforts are: 1) development and translation of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAb), and small molecules to treat or prevent SUD, opioid use disorders (OUD) and overdose, 2) mechanisms and biomarkers underlying or predicting efficacy of immunotherapeutics and medications in pre-clinical and clinical models of SUD and OUD, 3) novel strategies to enhance vaccine or medication efficacy, including immunomodulators, small molecules, adjuvants, nanoparticles, mRNA, polymers, and other delivery platforms, and 4) development of vaccines, mAb, and clinical biomarkers against infectious diseases such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Our long-term goal is the translation of novel therapies to ultimately bridge the bench-to-bedside gap. Our team has currently initiated a Phase I clinical trial of a vaccine for OUD, and we are planning more clinical trials in the area of SUD.

This is a full-time position for an initial one-year appointment, with the option for renewal. The base salary range for this position will be $4570–$5567 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Required qualifications: A PhD or foreign equivalent in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or related field. Expertise in conjugation chemistry or equivalent vaccinology background is required. The candidate should have core expertise in the conjugation of small molecules (e.g., haptens and peptides) to carriers (e.g., proteins, nanoparticles), and their purification or formulation in suitable delivery vehicles (e.g., liposomes or adjuvants). Antibody production and engineering is also relevant. The candidate should lead in vivo testing of vaccines, antibodies or small molecules in animal models. We are in search of a well-rounded team player that is interested in interfacing with other members of the lab as well as managing relationships with several external collaborators including research institutes, start-ups and CMO/CDMOs. The ideal candidate is expected to gain an understanding of GMP/GLP processes to support Phase I-II clinical trials. The ideal candidate is expected to support drafting or reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for internal use or destined to third parties (CMO, CRO, research laboratories, or industry partners). Reviewing and/or drafting CDAs, SOWs, and other CPS-related legal and technical agreements is expected. The ideal candidate should execute tasks independently, have good managerial and communication skills, be creative, flexible, self-motivated, and exhibit problem solving skills. Individuals with less than five (5) years of postdoc experience are eligible for this position.

Preferred Qualifications: At least 2 years of professional laboratory experience or graduate training equivalent. Experience in vaccine development or antibody engineering, immunoassays and operation of MALDI TOF, DLS, LC/MS or equivalent instrument to qualify vaccines and antibodies for use in animal or human studies. Other preferred skills may include the ability to operate a Triple Quad LC/MS to conduct analysis of small molecules, peptides, or proteins. Experience working with animals (rodents) is a plus.

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

• CV
• Contact information of three references
• Cover letter outlining your previous research experience and future career goals.
• A statement detailing how your teaching, research, and/or clinical service has supported underrepresented populations across dimensions of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, backgrounds, and interests. Applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further the Department's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

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Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.

About University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.

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