Postdoctoral Scholar HIV Immunology

Postdoctoral Scholar HIV Immunology (Finance)

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.

• 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.

• 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., HEK
  293) for the generation of HIV‑1 Env antigens.
• Experience mentoring students and contributing to the development of grant proposals.

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. USF fosters a rich academic environment that promotes talent, engagement, and bold innovation. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranking No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks USF as a top‑50 public university and the best value in Florida, and USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is the No. 1

medical school in Florida. USF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and numerous employee perks and discounts.

USF is a top‑ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students worldwide from campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota‑Manatee, and USF Health. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and received $738 million in research funding in 2024. USF is a top‑20 public university for producing U.S. patents and has an economic impact exceeding $6 billion annually. The university’s Division I athletic teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

The University of South Florida is an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant 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.

• 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.