Open Positions
The Bryers Group was just (07/2022) awarded a NIAID grant to develop an injectable biodegradable hydrogel for the sustained release of self-replicating mRNA (SR-mRNA) vaccine vectors.
While Staphylococcus aureus (SA) commonly asymptomatically colonizes the skin and nose of healthy humans, severe disease can result from infection of the blood, bone, skin, and lungs, as well as sites of catheters and prosthetic devices. With currently approved therapy, about one-third of patients diagnosed with SA bacteremia succumb, accounting for more annual deaths than HIV, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis combined. This R01 will develop an injectable vaccine depot comprising: (a) previously published cationic polymers to condense and charge neutralize anionic self-replicating mRNA (SR-mRNA) vaccines into nanometer-sized particles (i.e., “polyplexes”) that are then incorporated within (b) our recently reported injectable biodegradable gel of N-succinyl-chitosan (S-CS) and oxidized alginate (O-Alg). Ultimately, the temporary CS-Alg depots completely biodegrade into non-toxic by-products that are eliminated. This project will generate a self-immunizing biomaterials technology that is applied ONCE that is superior in immunization versus repeated systemic bolus injections.
SR-mRNA comprises four genes for non-structural proteins (NSPs) followed by a 26S promoter then the antigen genes of interest. The NSPs genes are obtained from an alpha virus and code for the expression of a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP). Once delivered, ① expression of NSPs produces RDRP, that makes a 3'-5' copy of the replicon ②, that is used to make another 5'-3' replicon ③, which in turn re-enters the cycle ④. Each cycle starting at the 26S promoter, ⑤ RDRP also copies just the 3'-5' GOI into a 5'-3' GOI, which in turn expresses the desired antigens. Thus SR-mRNA autocatalytically produces multiple copies of the desired antigen genes.
Post-doctoral position - Vaccine Construction
The Bryers lab at the University of Washington Bioengineering Department invites applications from qualified candidates for a postdoctoral position to develop injectable polymer vaccine depots to immunize against Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Candidates should have a background in mRNA vector construction, vaccine delivery, and verification of immunization substantiated by a history of independent research and scholarly publications. Preference will be given to those candidates with significant experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry, tissue culture, and working with mice.
The minimum qualifications include a PhD in bioengineering, immunology, or related field. Previous experience working with animal models in a research setting is a requirement. This position will be a critical member of a collaborative, dynamic team and must have good oral and written communication skills, as well a strong record of publications. Compensation will be commensurate with experience level. 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.
Interested and qualified applicants should apply via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/111212) with a CV, cover letter describing your interest in the position and experience, and the contact information for a minimum of three referees. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Identification of naive B cells specific for candidate vaccine antigens: vaccine failure can be predicted if one could assess, prior to vaccination, those naïve B cells able to bind to the candidate antigen.
Determining factors limiting B cell activation following vaccination: quantifying the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that limit the activation of naïve B cells after vaccination.
Quantifying the differentiation of B cells following vaccination: direct B cell differentiation to ensure that B cells expressing potentially-protective antibodies enter the optimal differentiation pathway to produce long-lived protective progeny.
Post-doctoral position - T cell and B Cell Vaccine Response
The Bryers lab at the University of Washington Bioengineering Department invites applications from qualified candidates for a postdoctoral position to quantify the humoral and cellular immune responses elicited by self-replicating multi-cistronic mRNA vaccines. Specifically, we are interested in quantifying the dynamics of immunized dendritic cells in T cell and B cell activation following vaccination.
Candidates should have a strong background in immune cell response to vaccines and T cell or B cell biology substantiated by a history of success with independent research and publications. Preference will be given to those candidates with significant experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry, tissue culture, and working with mice.
The minimum qualifications include a PhD in microbiology, immunology, vaccinology, or related field. Previous experience working with animal models in a research setting is a requirement. This position will be a critical member of a collaborative, dynamic team and must have good oral and written communication skills, as well a strong record of publications. Compensation will be commensurate with experience level.
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.
Interested and qualified applicants should apply via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/111215) with a CV, cover letter describing your interest in the position and experience, and supporting letters from a minimum of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.