Research Associate, Vaccine Development

As a Research Associate in Vaccine Development at GIVAX, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with scientists on experiments, performing plasmid production, executing reverse genetics, growing and characterizing virus pools for study, and conducting immunoassays to evaluate immune responses. Additionally, you'll play a vital role in maintaining lab notebooks and ensuring compliance with good documentation practices.

To qualify for the Research Associate role at GIVAX, candidates must hold a BS or MS in a life science discipline with at least one year of laboratory experience. Authorization to work in the United States is also required. While not necessary, experience working with infectious diseases and knowledge in areas like virology or immunology can enhance your application.

Beneficial skills for a Research Associate at GIVAX include a solid understanding of virology and immunology techniques, the ability to maintain and utilize human cell cultures, and strong organizational abilities. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, along with a proactive attitude and collaborative spirit, will also serve you well in this dynamic environment.

New Research Associates at GIVAX will undergo internal training to acquire the necessary skills for effective contributions to the team. This training will cover advanced techniques in molecular biology, virology, and immunology, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to support our vaccine development initiatives.

The work environment for a Research Associate at GIVAX is collaborative and innovative, where you’ll work alongside a team of dedicated scientists in our Philadelphia laboratory. Expect to engage in hands-on research while maintaining open communication with various departments to promote teamwork and successful project execution.

When answering this question, highlight specific techniques you have experience with, such as plasmid production, reverse genetics, or immunoassays. It's essential to discuss how you utilized these skills in previous roles and your eagerness to learn new methods that align with GIVAX's goals.

Demonstrate your organizational skills by describing your method for prioritizing tasks. Discuss how you assess project deadlines, the importance of tasks, and how regular communication with team members helps you stay on track, ensuring that you meet project milestones effectively.

Provide a specific example that illustrates your problem-solving skills. Explain the challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the final outcome. Show how your persistence and resourcefulness contributed to successful results, reflecting your capacity to adapt in a lab environment.

This is your chance to showcase your knowledge about GIVAX and the biotech field. Talk about the company's mission and values, express admiration for its innovative approach to vaccine development, and your desire to contribute to meaningful public health solutions that align with GIVAX's goals.

Highlight techniques you use to ensure accuracy, such as maintaining thorough lab notes, double-checking your work, and following established protocols strictly. Emphasize your understanding of the importance of detail, especially when working with complex experiments in vaccine development at GIVAX.

Demonstrate your understanding of immunoassays by explaining their purpose in measuring immune responses to vaccine candidates. You can provide examples of various types of immunoassays, such as ELISA, and describe how they contribute to assessing the effectiveness of vaccines undergoing development at GIVAX.

Exhibit your commitment to professional development by discussing specific strategies, such as attending scientific conferences, subscribing to relevant journals, or participating in online forums. This demonstrates your active interest in remaining informed about the latest trends and techniques in the vaccine development field.

Discuss your experience with teamwork and collaboration. Provide examples of past projects where you successfully worked across different functions, emphasizing your communication skills, adaptability, and ability to foster positive relationships with colleagues in achieving shared goals.

Share your passion for contributing to public health and the life sciences field. Discuss how the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through your work at GIVAX aligns with your personal and professional aspirations, showcasing your commitment and motivation in the field.

Provide a specific example demonstrating your time management skills. Describe a situation where you effectively balanced competing priorities and deadlines in the lab. Detail the methods you used to stay organized, such as utilizing lists or project management tools, to ensure task completion and efficiency.