PopVax is an Indian full-stack biotechnology company developing novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics using computational protein design. Our first vaccine is a next-generation COVID-19 booster which will enter a first-in-human Phase I clinical trial in the U.S. early next year – this vaccine is intended to broaden protection against both current and predicted future SARS-CoV-2 variants, reducing the possibility of a new mutation in the virus suddenly causing another massive wave of infection. We have a preclinical pipeline of 6 additional novel vaccine candidates built on our mRNA-LNP platform that we will be taking into clinical trials over the next few years. Our work to date has been funded primarily via project agreements totalling 10+ million USD with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Vitalik Buterin's public health & biosecurity organization Balvi.

We are looking for exceptional junior scientists for our Hyderabad labs to confidently and correctly perform high volumes of bioassays, including ELISA and cell-based assays such as pseudovirus neutralization, on a daily basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in any stream of life sciences is a requirement, with a master’s degree or 3+ years of relevant industry experience strongly preferred.

• At least six months experience performing bioassays such as ELISA, preferably in a 96-well plate format (or higher).

• At least six months of experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays, the more the better, with specific experience in performing transfection and lentiviral transduction as well as pseudovirus neutralization experiments strongly preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to present scientific findings clearly and concisely is a vital and non-negotiable component of success at PopVax.

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated track record of independently interpreting experimental data and troubleshooting technical challenges.

• A willingness to shoulder substantial and often repetitive assay workloads on a daily basis.

• A desire to rapidly learn, troubleshoot, and master new experimental techniques.

We offer very competitive compensation, comprehensive health insurance with the option to cover immediate family (including pre-existing conditions), and, most importantly, a collaborative work environment focused on solving the cutting-edge multidisciplinary challenges of our novel mRNA platform.