PopVax is an Indian full-stack biotech building first-in-class and best-in-class vaccines and cancer immunotherapies using machine learning-driven protein design and relentless empiricism. We design, develop, and manufacture our own RNA medicines end-to-end because we believe great pharmaceutical science can only flourish in tight feedback loops that iterate rapidly. PopVax’s experimental work and clinical dose production is based at the RNA Foundry, our integrated R&D and GMP-capable clinical dose production facility in Hyderabad.
PopVax's north star is our goal of developing novel vaccines and therapeutics over the next decade with the cumulative ability to save 1 million lives each year – the Million Lives Mission. To that end, we are developing first-in-class vaccines against Hepatitis C, Strep A, and adult pulmonary TB; broadly-protective best-in-class vaccines against COVID-19, influenza, malaria, and HPV; and precision immunotherapies against hard-to-treat solid tumours such as liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Beyond existing diseases, we are leveraging our high-speed platform to build rapid-response biosecurity capabilities against engineered de novo pathogens.
Our mission is funded by Vitalik Buterin’s Balvi Fund, the Gates Foundation, the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Renaissance Philanthropy, and Good Ventures, with individual investments from Enveda founder Viswa Colluru and Tesla self-driving AI pioneer Dhaval Shroff. Our first program, an open-source broadly-protective COVID-19 vaccine, will begin a Phase I clinical trial in Australia in mid-2026. This is just the start – we intend to advance 6+ novel vaccine and immunotherapy programs into human clinical trials over the next three years, decisively demonstrating that world-class biotech R&D is possible in India.
No matter the job title, each person’s role at PopVax is ultimately about helping bring safe, effective new medicines that represent a step-change over the current standard-of-care to the people who need them, as quickly as possible. If you are looking for a place where the ambition is high, the learning curve is steep, and the work matters to billions, you’ll feel at home here.
If you’re excited by the idea of advancing scientific, clinical, and regulatory frontiers of vaccines and immunotherapies, spending each day developing medicines with the potential to save millions of lives, and building a generational global pharmaceutical company in India along the way – join us!
We are looking for an exceptional Scientist for our Hyderabad labs to design, develop, and validate immunoassays (including flow cytometry-based T-cell assays, and other cell-based functional assays) to evaluate immune responses and cytotoxicity. You will also analyse, interpret, and document experimental results while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
QUALIFICATIONS
A PhD or Master’s degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology or Biotechnology is a requirement, with 3+ years of relevant industry experience is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in bioassay development and extensive hands-on experience with flow cytometry, and cell-based functional assays is must. Proficiency in data analysis using software such as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo will be useful.
At least six months experience performing mammalian cell culture (both adherent and suspension cell lines).
Previous experience of working with primary immune cells, spheroid/organoid models and peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be an advantage.
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.
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 and a desire to rapidly learn, troubleshoot, and master new experimental techniques.
Able to maximise his/her contribution in the assigned projects with proper planning and execution is necessary.
Strictly adhering to good lab practices, maintaining laboratory records and ensuring compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and quality standards at all times in the office premises is mandatory.
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.