Postdoctoral Scholar TBV Vaccine Discovery

The Sather Laboratory at the University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join an NIH-funded multi-disciplinary research team focused on discovering and developing novel malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) candidates. This project utilizes a reverse vaccinology approachcombining proteomics bioinformatics and immunologyto identify surface-exposed proteins on early mosquito-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Working in close partnership with experts in proteomics the selected fellow will be responsible for translating high-priority protein leads into viable vaccine immunogens.

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.

The researcher will lead the development of novel vaccine candidates overseeing the entire pipeline from in silico protein design to functional evaluation. This includes the recombinant expression and purification of difficult-to-produce Plasmodium proteins conducting mouse immunization campaigns and isolating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to characterize protective epitopes. The fellow will apply advanced protein biochemistry and biophysical techniques to validate the stability and antigenicity of these new targets.

INSTRUCTIONAL DUTIES: 0% FTE

RESEARCH/SCHOLARSHIP DUTIES: 100% FTE
Collaborate with proteomics partners to prioritize novel surface-exposed antigens identified through mass spectrometry.
Design and produce recombinant soluble antigens in HEK293 cells utilizing affinity and SEC/FPLC polishing to achieve >95% purity.
Execute mouse immunization campaigns to evaluate the immunogenicity of novel TBV leads.

Isolate and reconstruct monoclonal antibodies from immunized mice to define functional epitopes.
Perform biochemical characterization of antigens and mAbs including thermostability monodispersity and binding kinetics.
Collaborate with the Kappe lab to evaluate the Transmission-Reducing Activity (TRA) of vaccine-elicited antibodies via the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA).
Maintain meticulous research records prepare high-quality manuscripts and present research at national and international conferences.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in protein biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.

SERVICE DUTIES: 0% FTE

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: 0% FTE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
Lead the discovery and development of novel vaccine candidates by translating high-priority protein leads identified through proteomics and bioinformatics into viable recombinant immunogens.
Design and engineer soluble recombinant antigens including codon optimization for mammalian cell expression (HEK293) and the addition of appropriate affinity purification tags.
Perform high-level protein purification utilizing FPLC systems including Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) to achieve >95% purity.
Execute mouse immunization campaigns managing dose-escalation studies and various administration routes (e.g. IV tail vein or IM) to evaluate the immunogenicity of novel transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) leads.
Isolate and reconstruct monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from immunized mice using single B cell sorting (FACS) and RT-PCR to rescue natively paired heavy and light chains.
Characterize the biophysical properties and binding kinetics of antigens and mAbs using advanced biochemistry approaches including Biolayer Interferometry (BLI/Octet) thermostability assays and monodispersity analysis.
Coordinate functional evaluation of antibodies with collaborators through the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA) to quantify Transmission-Reducing Activity (TRA) and identify potent neutralization epitopes.
Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams to integrate structural and biochemical data with B cell discovery and in vivo transmission-blocking results.
Maintain accurate research records analyze complex immunological and proteomic datasets and prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication in top-tier journals.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Biochemistry Molecular Biology Protein Chemistry Structural Biology or a closely related field awarded within the past five years or expected before the start date.
Excellent molecular biology skills (e.g. codon optimization cloning and construct design).
Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression in mammalian systems specifically HEK293 cells.
Extensive experience in protein purification using FPLC systems including affinity chromatography (e.g. Ni-NTA) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC).
Demonstrated experience characterizing protein-protein interactions using techniques such as Biolayer Interferometry (BLI/Octet) ITC or SPR.
Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience conducting mouse immunization studies including various routes of administration (IM IP IV).
Experience in flow cytometry (FACS) particularly for sorting antigen-specific B cells.
Experience in monoclonal antibody isolation and characterization from single B cells.
Familiarity with vaccine adjuvant formulations and serological assays like ELISA and IFA.