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. in 2026. 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. PopVax has recently spun up cancer immunotherapy programs for HCC (Liver Cancer), PDAC (Pancreatic Cancer) & other critical targets. Our work to date has been funded primarily via project agreements totalling 20+ million USD with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Vitalik Buterin's public health & biosecurity organisation Balvi, BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority) & Renaissance Philanthropy.

We are seeking an exceptional Scientist for our Hyderabad labs to join our Vaccine Immunology team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and executing flow cytometry–based assays to characterize immune responses to vaccine candidates. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a closely related life sciences discipline is required, accompanied by 2–3 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience. Alternatively, candidates with an M.Sc. or M.Tech. degree demonstrating 5+ years of hands-on experience specifically in immunology or vaccine research will be considered.

• Demonstrated expertise in the design of flow cytometry assays to accurately evaluate a broad spectrum of cellular immune responses such as T-cell and B-cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation. Proficient operation of various flow cytometers (e.g., BD FACSLyric, FACSymphony, or FACSMelody) is essential.

• Has proficiently performed advanced intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), activation-induced marker (AIM) assays, proliferation assays, and comprehensive immune phenotyping. 

• Has supported immunogenicity assessments by integrating flow cytometry data with complementary immunoassay results such as ELISPOT, ELISA, and multiplex bead-based assays (e.g., LegendPlex/Luminex) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the immune landscape.

• Proficiency in advanced data analysis using specialised software such as FlowJo, Prism, or other equivalent statistical and graphical analysis tools is mandatory for interpreting complex immunological datasets and presenting findings.

• 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.

• 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.