PopVax is an Indian full-stack biotech building first-in-class and best-in-class vaccines and cancer immunotherapies using machine learning-driven 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 Virus, Strep A, and adult pulmonary TB, broadly-protective best-in-class vaccines against COVID-19, influenza, and HPV, and precision immunotherapies against hard-to-treat solid tumours such as liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Our work is funded by Vitalik Buterin’s Balvi Fund, the Gates Foundation, the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and Renaissance Philanthropy. Our first vaccine program will begin a Phase I clinical trial in the US in mid-2026 conducted & sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We intend to put 6 novel vaccines and immunotherapies into Phase I clinical trials over the next 3 years.

No matter the job title, each person’s role at PopVax is ultimately focused on helping take safe & effective new medicines that represent a step-change improvement on the current standard-of-care to the people who need them as fast as possible. If you want to work 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 a highly motivated Junior Scientist for our Hyderabad labs who will be responsible for a range of essential laboratory activities, including the routine performance of various immunoassays such as ELISA and Pseudovirus Neutralisation Titer (PVNT) assays. A significant portion of this role will also involve the routine execution of cell culture activities, including cell line maintenance, propagation, and preparation for experimental procedures. Furthermore, you will be actively involved in transfection experiments and Pseudovirus (PSV) generation, contributing directly to the development and characterisation of viral systems. You will also provide vital support for other cell culture-based assays integral to the HCV project.

QUALIFICATIONS

• For MSc/MTech Candidates: A Master's degree (MSc or MTech) in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology or Virology, with 0–2 years of relevant experience in the following:

• Hands-on experience with various immunoassays, including ELISA and PVNT assay. This includes a solid understanding of assay principles, troubleshooting, and data interpretation to ensure accuracy and reliability.

• Practical experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, including aseptic handling, media preparation, cell passaging, cryopreservation, and cell line maintenance.

• Hands-on experience with transfection protocols for introducing genetic material into cells and the generation of Pseudovirus (PSV) for use in neutralisation assays.

• 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.