Postdoctoral Scientist 4+/Staff Scientist (I,II) – Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Vaccine Development

Description

Are you excited about preventive and therapeutic viral vaccines? 

We are seeking a dynamic and highly qualified virologist/molecular biologist to join our laboratory immediately to develop novel mucosal vaccine platforms. This position is open at the level of Postdoctoral Scientist (4+ years of experience) or Staff Scientist (I–II), depending on qualifications.

The successful candidate will have expertise in vector design, preventive and therapeutic vaccine development, and infectious disease research in BSL-2+/BSL-3 environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated scientist interested in advancing translational vaccine research at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas.

Our laboratory focuses on developing innovative epithelial stem cell–based vaccine platforms for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Current efforts include single-cycle, attenuated, replication-defective vaccine strategies to prevent or control HIV infection using the SIV/nonhuman primate (NHP) model of AIDS. We are particularly interested in early events in viral transmission, and in the generation of cellular and humoral immune responses, including mucosal and innate immunity.

In addition, we are engineering novel vaccine platforms targeting HPV, HPV/HIV co-infection, Mpox, RSV, and VSV. Proof-of-concept studies are conducted in both murine and nonhuman primate models.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and produce virus-based vaccine candidates, including troubleshooting and optimization of experimental systems.
• Participate in immunization and challenge studies using animal models.
• Analyze molecular virology data, including detection and characterization of cell-free and cell-associated viruses.
• Evaluate humoral and cellular immune responses using advanced immunological and molecular techniques.
• Investigate pathogen–host interactions and correlates of protection.
• Contribute to the preparation of high-impact manuscripts and stay current with relevant scientific literature.
• Assist in drafting grant applications and supporting ongoing funding efforts.
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Education, Skills, and Experience

Required: 

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or a related discipline scientific discipline from an accredited university with major course work in infectious diseases.
• Minimum of four (4) years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology, virology, and vaccine design.
• Experience with standard molecular virology techniques.
• Solid background in immunology, including analysis of immune responses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in HIV/SIV research.
• Experience working in BSL-2+ and/or BSL-3 environments.
• Experience with murine and/or nonhuman primate (NHP) models.
• At least four (4) years of research experience in molecular virology, immunology, and vaccine development.
• Experience with vaccine design techniques, including cloning, plasmid production, purification.
• Proficiency in qPCR/RT-PCR and other molecular assays.
• Experience with immunological assays such as flow cytometry, ELISPOT, ELISA, immuno-histochemistry, imaging (including confocal microscopy), and cytokine/chemokine analysis.
• Experience working with HIV/SIV, HPV, VSV, RSV, Mpox, or related viral systems is highly desirable.

Our Ideal Candidate Will:

• Be highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and scientific rigor.
• Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
• Show a strong commitment to advancing translational vaccine research.

In addition to applying on our career site, interested applicants should upload a cover letter summarizing their research interests in our lab, past research, laboratory experience, and a curriculum vitae. 

Who We Are: 

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only inde