Basic and applied research opportunities are available to study many aspects for the detection and identification of new and emerging pathogens and their applications to other fields of study. This program focuses on the use of modern molecular techniques for the development of rapid, sensitive, and specific assays to detect and identify viruses, bacteria, and toxins or the host response to these pathogens. Systems being developed involve many different platforms that detect nucleic acids, antigens, or antibodies. The Diagnostic Systems Division’s scope of research spans many different scientific disciplines, which offers an individual a wide variety of research opportunities. Developments in molecular diagnostics can be used as the basis for collaborations throughout the Institute to study molecular pathogenesis, host response to infection, gene expression, and antigenic and genetic variation. Current research efforts include but are not limited to development of new and improved immunoassays targeting priority pathogens, developing new recognition elements, assessing field-forward technologies, developing peptide based assays for more rapid response.  The improved diagnostic assays are being evaluated in austere environments in regions of the world where the diseases are endemic or emerging in order to build capacity in overseas partner labs and further the body of knowledge of disease prevalence.  Basic research needs to support these applied efforts include epitope identification and characterization of biological threat agents, development of new probes, development of recombinant antibodies, all in one immunoassay formats, and surface chemistry modifications to enhance binding affinity. The Institute provides high-level biocontainment facilities, expert personnel, state-of-the-art equipment, and up-to-date molecular tools to support scientific studies.

Evans TS, Myat TW, Hom NS, et al. Seroepidemiologic Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Logging Communities, Myanmar. Emerg Infect Dis. 2021;27(6):1709-1713. doi:10.3201/eid2706.203223

Smith DR, Shoemaker CJ, Zeng X, et al. Persistent Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection in the testes and within granulomas of non-human primates with latent tuberculosis. PLoS Pathog. 2019;15(9):e1008050. Published 2019 Sep 26. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1008050

Ricks KM, Shoemaker CJ, Dupuy LC, et al. Development of a bead-based immunoassay using virus-like particles for detection of alphaviral humoral response. J Virol Methods. 2019;270:12-17. doi:10.1016/j.jviromet.2019.04.013

key words

diagnostics; assay development; recombinant proteins; monoclonal antibodies; field-forward; molecular techniques; capacity building

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants