Postdoctoral Scholar Malaria Immunology

Postdoctoral Scholar – Malaria Immunology (Finance)

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 prototype 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.

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.

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field, awarded within the past five years or expected before the start date.
• Demonstrated experience in studying immune response to infection or vaccination.
• Proven ability to conduct independent, hypothesis‑driven research and publish in high‑impact, peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent molecular biology skill set.

• Advanced experience in human B cell immunology, including the isolation and characterization of mAbs from human subjects.
• Proficiency with 10X Genomics single‑cell technologies, VDJ enrichment, and antibody reconstruction.
• Experience characterizing protein‑protein interactions using Biolayer Interferometry (BLI), ITC, or DSC/DSF.
• Familiarity with immuno‑focusing strategies, such as glycan masking, to focus immune responses on potent neutralizing epitopes.
• Experience with malaria antibody functional assays.

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.

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.