Scripps Staff Scientist - Martins Lab
Job Description
The Martins lab at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology is looking for a Staff Scientist. Our research program is focused on developing a “one-shot” functional cure for HIV/AIDS. To that end, we are leveraging the latest advances in gene therapy to engineer long-lived host cells to continuously produce HIV-1 IgG therapeutics in vivo at levels sufficient to prevent viral replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Using nonhuman primates as a preclinical model of HIV/AIDS, we have shown that a single dose of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors at birth can result in stable expression of a HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) in plasma for years without redosing. The systemic HIV-1 immunity achieved by this strategy could block acquisition of simian-HIV infection (SHIV) in mucosal challenge models that mimic HIV transmission through breastfeeding and sexual intercourse. Additionally, ongoing studies in our group show that AAV-vectored delivery of HIV-1 IgG biologics can also prevent virus rebound in SHIV-infected infant and adult rhesus macaques following ART interruption.
Responsibilities
- Project Management (meetings, bookkeeping, purchasing of reagents and supplies, etc.)
- Grant/Manuscript writing
- Cloning, cell culture, ELISAs, protein expression and purification, and data analysis and interpretation
Qualifications
- We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist who will thrive in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment.
- Applicants should have the following:
- A Ph.D. in immunology, virology, or a related discipline.
- Evidence of productivity from publications in high-quality journals originating from Ph.D. or postdoctoral work. Manuscripts that are finally accepted for publication in high-quality journals will also be considered as evidence of productivity.
- Significant expertise in the design and production of gene therapy vectors.
- Verbal and written communication skills in English with good organizational and analytical abilities.
- Strong managerial and organizational skills.
Preferred
- Prior experience in some of the following areas/techniques is preferred:
- Immunological techniques, including flow cytometry, ELISA, immunofluorescence, RNA/DNA scope.
- Molecular biology assays, like qPCR and advanced cloning.
- Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit. Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website. This position is open until filled. Application review will begin September 22, 2025. This is a time-limited position.
Health Assessment Required
Yes.