Postdoctoral Scholar Malaria Immunology

University of South Florida • Tampa, FL

2d

About The Position

The Sather Laboratory at the University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to lead research focused on defining the features and characteristics of potent naturally acquired protective immunity. Rather than focusing on traditional immunization strategies, this role utilizes natural prototypes—human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed during natural infection—to guide next-generation vaccine development. These naturally acquired antibodies provide a blueprint for how the immune system recognizes antigens in their most native-like format and are invaluable tools for structure-guided antigen design.
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.
The selected fellow will interrogate naturally acquired immunity from human subjects with defined infection histories to identify and characterize protective antibody prototypes. This work involves a reverse vaccinology approach: mining human B cell sequences to define the structural interactions most critical for protection and using those insights to iteratively improve and stabilize candidate antigens for optimal recognition by human antibody repertoires. The researcher will create a comprehensive antigenic map to drive the production of highly optimized, next-generation immunogens.

Responsibilities

• Interrogate naturally acquired immunity from human subjects with defined infection histories to identify and characterize protective antibody prototypes.
• Mine human B cell sequences to define the structural interactions most critical for protection and using those insights to iteratively improve and stabilize candidate antigens for optimal recognition by human antibody repertoires.
• Create a comprehensive antigenic map to drive the production of highly optimized, next-generation immunogens.

Benefits

• medical, dental and life insurance plans
• retirement plan options
• employee and dependent tuition programs
• generous leave
• hundreds of employee perks and discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed