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 this 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 organisation Balvi.

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 an Senior Executive - QC (Analytical - LCMS) to join our team in Hyderabad (note: in-person only; we do not offer remote work) to play a key role in helping develop, optimize, and document analytical protocols and assays for our mRNA-LNP vaccines and therapeutics.

Candidates must have:

• MS in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in analytical method development, preferably related to biologics.

• Hands-on experience of chromatography instrument HPLC/UHPLC with PDA/UV or CAD detector.

• Hands-on experience of data analysis and reporting on Empower, Lab Solutions and Chromeleon software.

• Experience in handling and data analysis on LC-MS/MS and/or HRMS platforms for quantitative analysis of large biomolecules (biologics/biosimilars/peptides).

• Proven track record of QC analytical work planning and execution on daily basis

• Understanding of cGMP requirements and its compliance

• Working understanding of global guidelines on analytical method validation, 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, quality control checks to ensure data quality.

• Working knowledge of MS office tools for data compilation and preparation of report

• Experience in writing clear and precise analytical protocols for newly developed methods and keeping said protocols updated as methods are further developed.

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

• A demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.

• A deep commitment to ethical principles, particularly in data collection and analysis.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in execution of analytical methods for nucleic acids—in particular mRNA & pDNA—or related cell & gene therapy (CGT) materials using techniques including but not limited to HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, and gel electrophoresis.

• Experience in the use of LC-MS for the characterization of chemicals and biomolecules, preferably including some experience in the use of LC-MS/MS.

• Knowledge of GDP, GLP, and GMP practices.

• The ability to perform and document instrument validation.

• Experience in the use of compendial methods for biopharmaceutical product testing in a cGMP environment.

• 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.