Postdoctoral Scholar HIV Immunology
We tailor your resume to this role and apply for you in seconds.
Apply to Postdoctoral Scholar HIV Immunology at University of South FloridaJob details
- Location
- Tampa, Florida
- Work type
- Onsite
- Posted
- yesterday
- Apply on
- fa-ewkd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com
About this role
The Sather Laboratory at the University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join a multi-disciplinary research team focused on HIV-1 humoral immunity. This position will investigate the mechanisms of B cell stimulation, maturation, and somatic mutation during both natural HIV-1 infection and vaccination. The selected fellow will play a critical role in studying the initiation and maintenance of germinal center responses and how these dynamics dictate the phenotype and function of resulting anti-Env antibodies. Applicants must submit a complete application packet as one combined PDF document, which includes a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Applications that are incomplete or missing required materials will not be considered. Utilizing cutting-edge approaches for the study of B cell repertoires and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the researcher will be responsible for defining the pathways through which the immune system develops broad and potent responses against the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. This work will integrate longitudinal analysis of immune responses to provide insights into the development of next-generation HIV vaccine strategies.
Responsibilities
INSTRUCTIONAL DUTIES: 0% FTE
RESEARCH/SCHOLARSHIP DUTIES: 100% FTE
SERVICE DUTIES: 0% FTE
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: 0% FTE
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
•Study B cell maturation and somatic mutation to define the requirements for eliciting potent anti-Env antibody responses.
•Investigate germinal center responses, specifically focusing on the initiation and long-term maintenance of these responses during vaccination or infection.
•Isolate and characterize monoclonal antibodies using single-cell technologies to define their molecular and functional properties.
•Characterize binding kinetics and biophysical properties of antibodies using BLI and other standard technologies.
•Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate repertoire data with functional outcomes to guide vaccine design.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
•Ph.D. in Immunology, Immunity, or a closely related field, awarded within the past five years or expected before the start date.
•Demonstrated familiarity with standard antibody analysis assays and immune monitoring technologies.
•Proven ability to conduct independent, hypothesis-driven research, analyze complex immunological datasets, and publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
•Strong written and oral communication skills for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment involving immunologists and virologists.
Preferred Qualifications:
•Extensive experience in FACS and single-cell B cell sorting for the isolation and reconstruction of monoclonal antibodies.
•Proficiency in biophysical characterization of antibodies, specifically determining binding kinetics via biolayer interferometry (BLI).
•Experience with 10X Genomics or similar cutting-edge platforms for B cell repertoire analysis.
•Familiarity with recombinant protein expression and production in mammalian systems (e.g., HEK293) for the generation of HIV-1 Env antigens.
•Experience mentoring students and contributing to the development of grant proposals.
Company
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.