Maral Afshinpour

Postdoctoral Associate @ The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota

About

Most therapeutic programs fail because we still do not fully understand how protein structure, stability, and molecular interactions influence function and drug response. That challenge motivates my work. I am a PhD-trained Protein Scientist and Biochemist with expertise in protein purification, structural biology, biologics characterization, and computational modeling across academic and pharmaceutical R&D. My research integrates experimental and computational approaches to understand disease-relevant proteins, with extensive hands-on experience in recombinant protein purification, membrane proteins, nanobodies, protein–protein interactions, and biophysical characterization. During my PhD at South Dakota State University, I developed AQcalc, the first publicly available web server for analyzing weak molecular interactions in proteins, published as first author in Protein Science (2023). My doctoral research included protein stability analysis, histone-binding proteins, structure-guided mutagenesis, and biophysical characterization using BLI, ITC, SEC-HPLC, FastPP, SDS-PAGE, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Currently, I am a Research Scientist at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, where I develop purification workflows and characterize ABC transporters and other membrane proteins using affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography (IEX), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), Cytiva ÄKTA/UNICORN systems, cryo-EM, nanodisc and liposome reconstitution, ATPase assays, and structural analysis. In 2025, I completed a Computer-Aided Drug Design internship at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, where I worked on hERG off-target modeling using structure-based drug design, FEP+, molecular dynamics simulations, AI/ML-assisted compound prioritization, and computational chemistry to support lead optimization. I enjoy working at the intersection of protein science, structural biology, biologics development, and drug discovery, particularly in collaborative environments that combine experimental and computational approaches to advance therapeutic development.

Country

United States

City

Rochester-Austin

Industry

Accounting

Skill

Molecular Dynamics (GROMACS, AMBER) , Umbrella Sampling, Protein stability analysis (Fastpp), Bacterial & mammalian cell culture , ESMFOLD, ROSETTA, PROSS , Protein Expression, Protein–Ligand Docking (AutoDock, Vina) , Python (Programming Language), Accelerated MD simulation, Cytiva ÄKTA systems, Linux, PyMOL, VMD, MDTraj, MDTask, Web Development (Streamlit, Django), Quantum Mechanics Calculations , In silico Mutagenesis , Ion Chromatography, Affinity Chromatography, Alchemical Free Energy (pmx) , Biased & Unbiased MD Simulations , Structure-Based Drug design (SBDD)

Experience

Postdoctoral Associate

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota

2025-12 - Present · 10 mos

Austin, MN

• Investigate human membrane transport proteins (ABC transporters) using cryo-EM, and biochemical assays. • Perform multi-step protein purification and chromatographic separation workflows for biochemical characterization. • Conduct protein characterization assays to evaluate protein stability, activity, and interactions. • Perform protein purification, nanodisc reconstitution, and biochemical characterization to study lipid–protein interactions. • Analyze structural data to define membrane transport mechanisms linked to lipid metabolism and disease. • Support projects on peroxisomal dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders, and transporter-related diseases.

Computational Drug Discovery (CADD) Intern

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

2025-6 - 2025-8 · 3 mos

Philadelphia, PA

• Evaluated cardiac safety risks of drug candidates by studying their interactions with the hERG ion channel, which is linked to dangerous drug-induced heart rhythm effects. • Developed a structure-based workflow to identify binding modes of compounds targeting the hERG ion channel. • Integrated structure-based drug design (SBDD) with machine learning to improve prediction of potential off-target effects. • Developed FragMap and pose-refinement protocols using SILCSBIO for structure-guided drug discovery. • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support protein characterization and drug discovery projects.

Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant

South Dakota State University

2023-8 - 2025-8 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Brookings, SD

Developed AQcalc, the first publicly available web server for weak molecular interaction analysis in proteins (Protein Science, 2023); designed multi-step protein purification workflows on ÄKTA systems; characterized protein stability and interactions using BLI, ITC, SEC-HPLC, and FastPP; led a structure-guided mutational study on 12 PHD-finger variants (Protein Science, 2025); and mentored graduate and undergraduate researchers in biophysical assays and data analysis.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

South Dakota State University

2021-8 - 2023-8 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Brookings, SD

Served as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, and General Chemistry I & II laboratory courses. Guided students through weekly laboratory experiments, explained core biochemical and chemical principles, reinforced safe laboratory practices, supported data analysis and scientific problem-solving, and assisted with grading and course coordination.

Laboratory Safety Committee Member

South Dakota State University

2022-9 - 2022-12 · 4 mos

Brookings, SD

Served as a member of the departmental Safety Committee, supporting laboratory safety initiatives, promoting compliance with safety protocols, and contributing to a safe research and teaching environment.

Education

South Dakota State University

Biochemistry

2021-8 - 2025-12 · 4 yrs 5 mos

• Developed AQcalc, a web tool for detecting weak interactions in protein structures: https://aqcalcbiocomputing.com/ • Purification, characterization, and structure analysis of histone binding proteins. • Designed a rapid assay for protein–protein interaction detection using AlphaFold-guided interface prediction. • Designed and analyzed mutational studies to assess the impact of coevolving amino acid replacements on protein folding. • Designed writing teaching modules for Biophysical Chemistry.