The Wistar Institute·Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The role involves high-throughput nanobody screening, characterization, cloning, production, and structural analysis of antibodies and proteins. Successful candidates will also assist senior researchers with molecular, cellular biology experiments, and animal studies.
The Wistar Institute has two openings for highly motivated Research Assistants to work in the laboratory of Dr.
Jianliang Xu in the HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center at The Wistar Institute.
The Xu lab is interested in building nanobody discovery platforms and developing nanobody countermeasures against viral infections.
Ongoing research focuses on developing broad and potent neutralizing nanobodies against various viral targets, including but not limited to HIV-1, henipavirus (HNV), arenavirus (ARV), herpesvirus (HSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
We are also working on nanobody therapeutics for melanoma and glioblastoma.
The responsibilities of successful candidates will involve: High-throughput nanobody screening and characterization Antibody/nanobody cloning and production Protein production and purification Structural analysis of antibody/nanobodies and proteins Technical assistance to post-doctoral and pre-doctoral students with molecular and cellular biology experiments, and in animal studies.
A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Excellent communication and organization skills are essential.
Candidates will receive personalized training as required.
Competitive applicants will have strong motivation to learn and to work in a collaborative environment.
Experience in the following areas is preferred: antibody and protein production, cell culture, serological characterization, molecular biology (PCR, DNA cloning, ELISA), flow cytometry, structural biology, and next-generation sequencing.
The Wistar Institute is a world leader in early-stage discovery science in the areas of cancer, immunology, and infectious disease.
Wistar is committed to accelerating research advances from bench to bedside through brilliant science and distinctive approaches to collaboration among scientific investigators and academic and industry partners.
Wistar’s dynamic environment supports the advancement of discoveries that will change the future of human health.
The Wistar Institute is located in the University City area of Philadelphia, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania Campus.
Wistar provides resources to its faculty and staff that enable them to conduct cutting edge collaborative research and provides for outstanding intellectual environments and state-of-the-art facilities.
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
For more information about The Wistar Institute visit our website at www.wistar.org.
It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, caregiver status, domestic or sexual violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or on the basis of genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.
A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field or equivalent experience is required, along with excellent communication and organization skills. Strong motivation to learn and collaborate is essential for competitive applicants.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, research assistant roles in academic and clinical settings are typically driven by ongoing lab, university, and health-system research needs. Competitive applicants usually pair a science-related degree or equivalent experience with strong organization, communication, and a clear willingness to learn and collaborate. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to the lab’s research focus and highlight any hands-on research or coordination experience.