Postdoctoral Scholar Structural Vaccinology

Job Description

Postdoctoral Scholar – Universal Malaria Transmission‑Blocking Vaccine (TBV) Development

The Sather Laboratory at the University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join an NIH‑funded, multidisciplinary research team focused on developing a universal malaria transmission‑blocking vaccine (TBV). The project aims to elicit species‑transcending immunity against both Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) by targeting highly conserved elements within two novel vaccine candidates. The selected fellow will play a critical role in structure‑guided vaccine design, leveraging structural biology and computational modeling to iteratively optimize vaccine antigens.

Applicants must submit a complete application packet as a single PDF document, which includes a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Research/Scholarship Duties (100% FTE):

• Conduct advanced research in structural biology and structural vaccinology focused on malaria TBV candidates.
• Execute research with high accuracy, integrity, and transparency.
• Maintain accurate research records and prepare high‑quality manuscripts for publication in top‑tier journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and structural analysis.
• Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment that promotes innovation and professional growth.

• Lead research centered on structure‑guided vaccine design.
• Set up co‑crystallization trials and perform high‑resolution structure determination of HAP2/HAP2p antigens and antigen‑mAb complexes.
• Utilize structure‑guided design to introduce mutations for epitope stabilization and immuno‑focusing (e.g., glycan masking).
• Collaborate with others on the project to integrate structural data with B‑cell discovery and in‑vivo transmission‑blocking assays.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field, awarded within the past five years; degree must be awarded at the time of hire.
• Proficiency with computational modeling software for protein engineering (e.g., Rosetta, MOE, Bioluminate, MPNN).
• Proficiency with protein design, expression, and production.
• Proven ability to conduct independent, hypothesis‑driven research, analyze complex structural datasets, and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment involving parasitologists and immunologists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specific research experience in structural vaccinology or structure‑guided antigen design.
• Demonstrated experience in protein structure determination (X‑ray crystallography and/or CryoEM) and protein expression and purification (specifically in mammalian systems like HEK
  293).
• Experience in characterizing protein‑protein interactions using BLI, ITC, or DSC/DS.
• Familiarity with the design and production of virus‑like particles (VLPs) or self‑assembling nanoparticles.
• Experience mentoring students and contributing to the development of grant proposals.

The University of South Florida (USF) is a top‑ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students across multiple campuses. USF 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 position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. A request for reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process 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.

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. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.