Create and release your Profile on Zintellect – Postdoctoral applicants must create an account and complete a profile in the on-line application system. Please note: your resume/CV may not exceed 2 pages.
Complete your application – Enter the rest of the information required for the IC Postdoc Program Research Opportunity. The application itself contains detailed instructions for each one of these components: availability, citizenship, transcripts, dissertation abstract, publication and presentation plan, and information about your Research Advisor co-applicant.
Additional information about the IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is available on the program website located at: https://orise.orau.gov/icpostdoc/index.html.
If you have questions, send an email to ICPostdoc@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.
Research Topic Description, including Problem Statement:
Viruses have provided the template for numerous natural non-canonical protein expression modalities to include alternative splicing, frameshift slippage, and overlapping genes. Current estimates indicate that more than 50% of viral genomes contain one or more overlapping genes. Recent discoveries have shown similar overlapping genes do exist in humans and eukaryotes but at a much lower occurrence, roughly between 1% to 26%. While viral genomes are smaller by multiple orders of magnitude compared to most living organisms, limiting the total length of potential nucleotides for encoding proteins, other facets related to protein structure, function, and expression are at play ranging from evolutionary driven replication efficiencies and community survival, all of which likely play a role in which organisms have adapted non-canonical protein translation.
Recent research has led to the development of computational tools and laboratory techniques for the rational engineering and expression of ‘entangled proteins’ in bacterial systems. This research has successfully demonstrated expression of overlapped genes and provided multiple examples of the biosecurity implications, especially from an evolutionary escape perspective, of such engineering practices. While successful, the current published approaches focused predominately on sequence alignment and gene overlap. The algorithms have focused on substitution and alignment approaches with minimal optimization to capture secondary interactions and disruptions to protein expression. While novel, additional research is necessary to continue informing towards improving our understanding and control over non-canonical expression modalities.
The Intelligence Community Postdoc program seeks post-doctoral level research proposals focused on improving our understanding of non-canonical expression systems and methods for rational design of entangled or otherwise engineered proteins. This can include research to enhance the understanding of the design of entangled or otherwise non-canonically expressed proteins, that improve the ability to predict the function of entangled proteins, and/or pushing the boundaries of what is possible in regard to expression and encoding non-canonically expressed proteins that align with improving biosecurity capabilities.
Example Approaches:
The intelligence community is interested in fundamental capabilities aligning towards characterizing protein expression, function, and associated biosecurity concerns. The recently completed IARPA Fun GCAT program, focused on threat detection of short DNA fragments. The papers referenced below include concerns from the screening community regarding the impact of non-canonical protein expression.
Recommended references for related research:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aav5477
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8924478/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8665328/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8528312/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8490965/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03511-5
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294169
Relevance to the Intelligence Community (IC):
The S&T priority on biotechnology directly aligns with this research topic as the better the field is able to understand the wide variety of protein expression mechanisms, the better we can design our biosecurity capabilities to detect future biothreats.
Key Words: #Frameshift Slippage, #Leaky Translation, #Alternative Splicing, #Entangled Proteins, #Biosecurity, #Structure-to-function, #Protein Expression
You gave a rating of 0 star(s)
SECURITY/PRIVACY NOTICE
By continuing to use this system you indicate your awareness of and consent to the following terms and conditions of use. LOGOUT IMMEDIATELY if you do not agree to the conditions stated in this warning.
SECURITY NOTICE
This system is part of a Federal information system. This system is monitored for security purposes to ensure it remains available to all users and to protect information in the system. The system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized activities. By accessing this system, you are expressly consenting to these monitoring activities. Unauthorized attempts to defeat or circumvent security features; to use the system for other than intended purposes; to deny service to authorized users; to access, obtain, alter, damage, or destroy information; to upload or change information; to otherwise cause system or information damage; or otherwise to interfere with the system or its operation, is prohibited. Evidence of such acts may be dis-closed to law enforcement authorities and result in prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996, or other applicable laws.
PRIVACY NOTICE
This system is for authorized use only. Use of this system constitutes consent to security monitoring and testing. All activity is logged with your host name and IP address. Users (authorized or unauthorized) have no explicit or implicit expectation of privacy. Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and dis-closed to authorized site and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign. By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure at the discretion of authorized site or law enforcement personnel. Unauthorized or improper use of this system may result in administrative disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties.
You have been inactive on this page for . You will be logged out after 03:00:00.
Select an icon below to visit the website and download an appropriate browser.
For help, please email Zintellect@orau.org.
Question: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Answer: Not all opportunities have application deadlines. Some opportunities remain open until they are filled. If an opportunity has an application deadline, then it will be listed in the opportunity details or in the opportunity catalog.
Question: How do I reset my password?
Answer: If you have forgotten your password or wish to reset your password, use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login to reset it.
Question: I forgot my username. How do I retrieve it?
Answer: Use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login. You will receive an email containing your username.
Question: What do I need to submit an application?
Answer: Typically, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, an official copy of their transcripts or academic record, and a minimum of two references at the time they apply. Additional requirements such as a writing sample, thesis or dissertation, etc. may be required. Review the opportunity details for additional information about the requirements for applying for an opportunity.
Question: Where do I upload my transcripts?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload your transcript as a part of the application process.
Question: Where do I submit a writing sample?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload a writing sample as part of the application process.
Question: Can a family member serve as a reference?
Answer: No; family members may not serve as references. References must be able to speak to your educational and/or professional experience. At least one academic reference is preferred.
Our Zintellect A.I. is constantly learning how to Match you to our opportunities! So, we want to know when we get it right or when we get it wrong. This will help us make our better! Plus, as a potential applicant to one of our many opportunities across the country, we value you and want to help you on your career path!
