Postdoctoral Scholar HIV Immunology

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.

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.

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.