Postdoctoral Scholar Structural Vaccinology

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 developing a universal malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV). This 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 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 be responsible for defining the molecular interactions between broad potent transmission-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their cognate antigens at an atomic level. This work will integrate cues from vaccine-induced and naturally acquired human immunity to create a comprehensive antigenic map to guide the production of next-generation immunogens. Major research activities will include:

Help determine high-resolution structures of vaccine candidate antigens by X-ray crystallography and/or CryoEM.
Computationally designing and modeling optimized antigens with improved stability antigenicity and immunogenicity using software such as Alphafold Rosetta MOE or MPNN.
Determining the structure of antigens in complex with monoclonal antibodies to delineate epitopes and guide iterative stabilization of the immunogens.
Characterizing the biophysical properties of modified antigens including thermostability and binding kinetics via biolayer interferometry (BLI).
Developing and evaluating nanoparticle-based immunogens (e.g. ferritin or lumazine synthase) for multimeric display of optimized antigens.

INSTRUCTIONAL DUTIES: 0% FTE

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.

SERVICE DUTIES: 0% FTE

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: 0% FTE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
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 or 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 HEK293).
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.