Protein Sequencing and Epitope Mapping Analysis Grant.

 

Grant Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to support academic scientists by providing in-kind access to Rapid Novor’s cutting-edge Protein Sequencing and Epitope Mapping services. Through access to these advanced techniques, scientists can accelerate discovery, validate experimental results, and deepen our understanding of complex biological systems to drive transformative scientific breakthroughs.

Grant Information

Eligibility

Applicants must be academic scientists, postdoctoral researchers, or graduate students at accredited institutions. Projects must clearly demonstrate the need for protein sequencing or HDX-MS to address specific impactful research questions in fields such as immunology, oncology, structural biology, or a related area.

Applicants may apply for a grant for protein sequencing, HDX-MS, or both. Please indicate your selection(s) on the application.

International applicants may apply so long as they fit the above criteria.

Application Requirements

  1. Research proposal: Describe the research project, objectives, and specific aims. Explain how protein sequencing and/or HDX-MS will contribute to your study and the expected impact on your field.
  2. Project Relevance: Outline the significance of the research and how this grant will enhance the study.
  3. Letter of Support: If you are applying and you are not the principal investigator, you must include a letter from your supervisor endorsing the project.

Application Timeline

Call for Applications Opens January 1st, 2025 at 9AM EST.
Application Deadline March 31st, 2025 at 5PM EST
Funding Decisions Announced April 21st, 2025 at 5PM EST
Project Duration 1 year
Full Application Components
  1. Completed application form (all sections, including all signatures and adhering to any word limits)
Program Contact Submissions and inquiries must be sent to science@rapidnovor.com

Award Details

One award is available for protein sequencing and one for HDX-MS. These awards may be granted to the same individual or two different recipients. The grant covers the cost of service for experiments and analysis for one protein sequencing and/or one HDX-MS project. Please note that while service costs are covered, shipping and handling fees for sending samples to our laboratory in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, are not included.

Recipient Obligations

Award recipients will be required to present their research findings using protein sequencing or HDX-MS in an online webinar hosted by Rapid Novor within one year of project completion.

Submission

Applications should be submitted by March 31st, 2025 at 5PM EST. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  1. Scientific Merit: Is the project of sound design to adequately answer the proposed research question?
  2. Expertise: Are the research team skills and experience aligned with the project needs?
  3. Relevance: Does the project have clear relevance to the respective field of study?
  4. Impact: Does the project provide impact beyond academic research?
  5. Timeline: Are there clearly defined and realistic deliverables and timelines?
  6. Requirement: Does the proposed research require advanced sequencing resources?
  7. Research Results: Is there a plan to utilize/disseminate the research results?

Notification

Award recipients will be notified by April 21st, 2025 9AM EST.

About Protein Sequencing

Protein sequencing with mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the amino acid sequences of proteins without requiring prior genetic information. Protein sequencing is especially useful for determining sequences of antibodies, due to their high sequence variability and limited coverage in genomic databases. This grant applies to protein sequencing for either antibodies or non-antibody proteins. The principles are the same, but since the general structure of antibodies is known the process is more standardized and therefore the requirements are a little different. Please review our service page for more details about how protein sequencing and antibody sequencing works.

Sample Requirements

  • mAb or non-antibody protein <20kDa
  • 100 micrograms
  • >90% purity
  • No protein contaminants or conjugates

If you are not sure your protein will meet the sample requirements, please contact us at science@rapidnovor.com before submitting your application.

About HDX-MS, Epitope Mapping

HDX-MS is a mass spectrometry-based technique used to examine protein-protein interactions, including antibody-antigen interactions, protein conformational changes, multi-protein complexes, and small molecule interactions with proteins. A common application of HDX-MS is epitope mapping: determining the amino acid residues that are part of the binding region. Please visit our service page for details about how hdx-ms epitope mapping works.

Sample requirements

  • Protein Size: up to 50 kDa
  • Number of disulfides: up to 3
  • Number of N-linked Glycans = 0
  • Kd range: > 100 nM
  • Kinetics (KD) curves data
  • SEC analysis for protein state (aggregation)
  • Purity >90%, with gel image for sample purity
  • In solution assays to confirm no protein ppt

If you are not sure your protein will meet the sample requirements, please contact us at science@rapidnovor.com before submitting your application.

About Rapid Novor

Rapid Novor Inc., is the world’s leader in antibody protein sequencing technology. Specializing in the field of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the team has developed the technology to directly sequence antibody proteins without needing access to genomic information. Located at the Kitchener-Waterloo high-tech hub, the company continues to build its technology portfolios based on years of scientific research and inventions. The company’s vision is to elevate human health by decoding immunity. For information, please visit https://www.rapidnovor.com. Follow @rapidnovor on X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.