Postdoctoral Scholar TBV Vaccine Discovery

University of South Florida • Tampa, FL

3d

About The Position

The Sather Laboratory at the University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join an NIH-funded multi-disciplinary research team focused on discovering and developing novel malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) candidates. This project utilizes a reverse vaccinology approach—combining proteomics, bioinformatics, and immunology—to identify surface-exposed proteins on early mosquito-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Working in close partnership with experts in proteomics, the selected fellow will be responsible for translating high-priority protein leads into viable vaccine immunogens.
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 researcher will lead the development of novel vaccine candidates, overseeing the entire pipeline from in silico protein design to functional evaluation. This includes the recombinant expression and purification of difficult-to-produce Plasmodium proteins, conducting mouse immunization campaigns, and isolating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to characterize protective epitopes. The fellow will apply advanced protein biochemistry and biophysical techniques to validate the stability and antigenicity of these new targets.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel vaccine candidates, overseeing the entire pipeline from in silico protein design to functional evaluation.
• Recombinant expression and purification of difficult-to-produce Plasmodium proteins
• Conducting mouse immunization campaigns
• Isolating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to characterize protective epitopes.
• Apply advanced protein biochemistry and biophysical techniques to validate the stability and antigenicity of these new targets.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed