PopVax is an Indian biotechnology company based in Hyderabad. We are funded via research agreements with the Gates Foundation and Vitalik Buterin’s biosecurity company Balvi. For the past year, we have been building a novel second-generation mRNA platform for low-cost broadly-protective vaccines via computationally-driven antigen design, starting with an open-source booster vaccine candidate that is intended to protect against the human-infecting pathogens in the betacoronavirus genus, including current and future strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.
We have seen up close that there are incredible capabilities in vaccine design, testing, and optimization just waiting to be unlocked that will enable us to pursue and perhaps even succeed at realizing wildly ambitious agendas such as ending TB, preventing future pandemics via broadly-protective vaccines, tackling the deadly scourge of antimicrobial resistance, eliminating debilitating degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, and curing fiendishly tricky chronic conditions such as ME/CFS and Long COVID. We are initiating multiple new vaccine programs this year to go after a number of these opportunities.
We are seeking a QC Scientist - Bioassay to join our team in Hyderabad (note: in-person only, we do not offer remote work) to perform and document a variety of key QC assays for our mRNA-LNP vaccines and therapeutics.
Responsibilities will include:
Performing functional assays that involve transfection into mammalian cell lines and quantification of protein expression using ELISA and Western Blot.
The use of qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and other molecular-biology related techniques for nucleic acid (i.e. pDNA and mRNA) characterization and quantification.
The performance of compendial bioassays such as the Bacterial Endotoxins Test (BET/LAL).
Knowledge of GDP, GLP, and GMP practices.
Drafting and reviewing STPs based on analytical protocols provided by R&D teams.
Documenting assay data and results comprehensively and precisely in a cGMP-compliant manner.
Analyzing and interpreting assay data and results, writing reports, and mapping analytical trends.
Candidates must have:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, with 3+ years of experience in performing QC assays for biologics in a cGMP setting.
Expertise in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays, including transfection.
Experience in the performance of ELISA assays, Western Blot, and gel electrophoresis.
Proficiency in the use of word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs and spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for report writing, data collection, and basic statistical analysis.
Excellent communication (written and oral) skills.
An unwavering attention to detail in assay planning, performance, data collection, and analysis.
A deep commitment to ethical principles, particularly in data collection and analysis.
A willingness to take up new challenges in a fast-paced environment.
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience in qPCR-based assays for nucleic acid quantification.
Prior experience performing assays on mRNA or DNA products.
Knowledge of probe and primer design as relates for molecular biology-related assays.
The ability to perform and document instrument validation.
Experience in performing and documenting stability studies for biopharmaceutical products.
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.