Postdoctoral Scholar HIV Immunology

This position is with the Sather Laboratory at the University of South Florida (USF), a multi-disciplinary research team focused on HIV-1 humoral immunity.

About the role

The Postdoctoral Scholar will investigate the mechanisms of B cell stimulation, maturation, and somatic mutation during both natural HIV-1 infection and vaccination. The role involves studying the initiation and maintenance of germinal center responses and how these dynamics dictate the phenotype and function of resulting anti-Env antibodies. The selected fellow will define pathways through which the immune system develops broad and potent responses against the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, integrating longitudinal analysis of immune responses to guide next-generation HIV vaccine strategies.

Responsibilities

• 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 biolayer interferometry (BLI) and other standard technologies.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate repertoire data with functional outcomes to guide vaccine design.

Allocation of duties: 100% research/scholarship, 0% instructional, service, or administrative.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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., HEK293) for the generation of HIV-1 Env antigens.
• Experience mentoring students and contributing to the development of grant proposals.

About Us

The University of South Florida (USF) is a top-ranked research university with approximately 50,000 students across campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, and USF Health. USF is recognized as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida by U.S. News & World Report. The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is ranked No. 1 in Florida and among the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), representing the top 3% of U.S. universities, and generated over $738 million in research funding in 2024. With an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion, USF is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area, employing approximately 16,000 people. Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers in 2025, ranking No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities.

USF offers a first-class benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance plans, retirement options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave policies, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.