Staff Scientist, HIV Gene Therapy & Immunology

Scripps Staff Scientist - Martins Lab Apply now Job no: 537163 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Palm Beach Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration Department: 37042060 - SR-IM-MARTINS LAB Classification Title: Scripps Staff Scientist Classification Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. and/or MD in an appropriate scientific discipline required. A minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience. 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. Despite the promise of these results, AAV-expressed bNAbs often induce host immune responses that restrict bNAb expression and lead to treatment failure. Although these anti-drug antibody (ADA) responses are rarely observed in newborn macaques, a large fraction of AAV/bNAb-treated adult monkeys (and humans too!) develop immune responses that interfere with the half-life or biological activity of the delivered molecules. Thus, 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 devising strategies for suppressing these unwanted host immune responses. 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. Required Qualifications: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist who will thrive in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment. Applicants should have the following: 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: 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. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or the Florida Relay System at View phone number on click.appcast.io (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF . 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. Advertised: 16 Sep 2025 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: Open until filled Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App Search results Position Department Location Closes Scripps Staff Scientist - Martins Lab 37042060 - SR-IM-MARTINS LAB Palm Beach Open until filled The Martins Laboratory is seeking a Scripps Staff Scientist at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida. We joined the University of Florida, one of the nation’s top five public universities, in April 2022. The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute advances human health through biomedical research, drug discovery and clinical studies, while providing outstanding educational opportunities to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. In addition, the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research trains the next generation of scientists on our campus through its nationally recognized Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences. Campaigns CLICK HERE and express interest in the 4-H Extension Agent Campaign Make a Statewide Impact. Lead Youth Development. Shape the Future. Join our team and gain an opportunity to design, lead, and grow a comprehensive youth development program within one of the nation’s premier land-grant university systems. This is more than a county-level role! Current opportunities in Duval, Marion and Palm Beach counties. Current Opportunities Position Department Location Closes Scripps Staff Scientist - Martins Lab 37042060 - SR-IM-MARTINS LAB Palm Beach Open until filled The Martins Laboratory is seeking a Scripps Staff Scientist at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida. We joined the University of Florida, one of the nation’s top five public universities, in April 2022. The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute advances human health through biomedical research, drug discovery and clinical studies, while providing outstanding educational opportunities to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. In addition, the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research trains the next generation of scientists on our campus through its nationally recognized Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences. Powered by PageUp #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Florida