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University of Florida

Scripps Staff Scientist - Martins Lab

University of Florida, Florida, New York, United States

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Overview

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 leverage 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 show that AAV-vectored delivery of HIV-1 IgG biologics can prevent virus rebound in SHIV-infected infant and adult rhesus macaques following ART interruption. A main focus of our lab is to understand why gene therapy with AAV/bNAb vectors induces ADAs in some animals, but not in others, in hopes of devising strategies for suppressing these unwanted host immune responses. 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 Expected Salary

Commensurate with experience. Qualifications

Required Qualifications 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. Preclinical models of HIV/AIDS. Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics. Special Instructions to Applicants

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. 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.

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