The laboratory of Dr. Irani is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Protein Engineering and Biochemistry in Autoimmune Neurology Group in Jacksonville, Florida. This position will support and expand ongoing research efforts in translational protein engineering towards curing and diagnosing autoimmune encephalitis, neuromyelitis optica, dementias and related neurological diseases. The successful candidate will continue and extend the research pipeline established by Dr. Stephan Steinke, focusing on the production and characterization of patient-derived autoantigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, autoantigen discovery and engineering, and their combined use towards novel diagnostic tools under GLP/GCP-compliant frameworks.

Responsibilities
•    Process and manage clinical trial samples 
•    Design, produce, and validate neuronal antigen proteins ("baitbodies") for B-cell sorting and epitope mapping
•    Produce, purify and modify IgG, IgA and IgM monoclonal antibodies in-house using mammalian expression systems
•    Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs for antibody QC, documentation, and compliance
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior scientists or technicians

Dr. Irani's faculty page: https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/irani-sarosh-r-b-m-b-ch-d-phil/bio-20557862

A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to provide training and education in research. Individuals will train in the research program of a Mayo Clinic principal investigator. Qualified individuals will demonstrate the potential for research as evidenced by their training and peer-reviewed publications and should become competitive for national research grants. Upon background check and CCATS Executive Committee approval, Research Fellow may have patient/research subject contact directly relating to and incidental to the original research program. Proof of English proficiency is required for J-1 Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns sponsored by Mayo Clinic.

•    Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field
•    Experience in antibody engineering, protein purification and biochemistry
•    Understanding antibody sequence data (identification of V-genes and C-domains) and antibody data bases (e.g. VBASE, IMGT etc.)
•    Antibody cloning experience (e.g. GoldenGate, Gateway, classic)
•    Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and affinity chromatography (e.g., ÄKTA)
•    Methods to epitope map autoantibodies and determine their functionalities
•    Familiarity with GLP, GMP and GCP standards
•    Excellent communication and organizational skills
•    Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with attention to scientific rigor and documentation

Preferred Qualifications
•    Knowledge of CNS-targeted immuno-engineering and autoimmune disease models
•    Prior work with protein production and immune epitope mapping
•    Familiarity with regulatory documentation and clinical trial sample workflows