Postdoctoral Associate - Martins Lab

The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology; Florida; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A biomedical research institute in New York is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Martins lab, focused on developing functional cures for HIV/AIDS through gene therapy. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in immunology or virology, a strong publication record, and expertise in gene therapy design. The position involves project management, grant writing, and laboratory techniques. Competitive salary and health assessment required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in immunology, virology, or a related discipline.
• Evidence of productivity from publications in high-quality journals.
• Significant expertise in design and production of gene therapy vectors.

Responsibilities

• Manage project activities, including meetings and bookkeeping.
• Write grants and manuscripts.
• Perform cloning, cell culture, ELISAs, and data analysis.

Skills

Immunology knowledge

Virology expertise

Gene therapy production

Strong verbal communication

Strong written communication

Education

Ph.D. in immunology, virology, or related discipline

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISA

qPCR

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Associate - Martins Lab role at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology.

Job Description

The Martins lab is focused on developing a “one-shot” functional cure for HIV/AIDS by leveraging gene therapy to engineer long-lived host cells to produce HIV-1 IgG therapeutics in vivo. Preclinical studies in nonhuman primates have shown that a single dose of adeno‑associated virus (AAV) vectors at birth can stably express an HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) for years without redosing. The strategy aims to block acquisition of SHIV in mucosal challenge models and to prevent virus rebound following ART interruption. A major focus is to understand and suppress anti‑drug antibody responses that arise with AAV‑bNAb vectors.

Responsibilities

• Project management (meetings, bookkeeping, purchasing reagents and supplies, etc.)
• Grant and manuscript writing
• Cloning, cell culture, ELISAs, protein expression and purification, data analysis and interpretation

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in immunology, virology, or a related discipline.
• Evidence of productivity from publications in high‑quality journals from Ph.D. or postdoctoral work.
• Significant expertise in the design and production of gene therapy vectors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with good organizational and analytical abilities.
• Strong managerial and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• Immunological techniques: flow cytometry, ELISA, immunofluorescence, RNA/DNA scope.
• Molecular biology assays: qPCR, advanced cloning.
• Preclinical models of HIV/AIDS.
• Next‑generation sequencing and bioinformatics.

Application Information

Applicants must upload a cover letter, resume, and provide names and email addresses of three to five references. This position is open until filled; application review will begin November 14, 2025.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Health Assessment Required: Yes.