Scientist/Senior Scientist, Virology

GIVAX is a Venture Capital-backed biotech company founded through RA Ventures’ incubator. GIVAX is utilizing a novel vector-based vaccine platform to address unmet public health needs in the prevention of infectious gastrointestinal diseases.

SUMMARY:

We are seeking an energetic and motivated scientist to join GIVAX. In this role, you will be part of a team that is working on the molecular biology and immune evaluation of viral vector backbones and candidate vaccine viruses. As a Scientist/Senior Scientist, you will be responsible for supporting the team in moving the vaccine/s into clinical ready products for Phase 1 and beyond. You will have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading scientists in the field of vaccine development to bring our flagship program from discovery to industrialization. We are seeking an innovative mind with expertise in viral molecular biology and particularly reverse genetics technology

Leveraging previously acquired academic and/or work experience, the Scientist/Senior Scientist will be responsible for the research leading to the creation of new rotavirus backbones and associated vaccine candidates, as well as their molecular, immune, and viral characterization. The incumbent will report to the Technical Project Lead and will also work in close collaboration with the Head of Operations. In addition to the internal staff, the incumbent will work in close collaboration and key partners to plan and execute the research that will lead to the generation of our vaccine candidates.

• Please note: The percentages listed below are related to the expected effort distribution for this role.

• Optimize viral production methods to generate candidate vaccines to use in animal studies.
• Execute process development experiments that may lead to improved viral yield per batch.
• Generate candidate vaccine viruses to support in-vivo studies assessing immunogenicity.
• Develop suitable methods to characterize vector viruses to ensure quality and presentation of both the vector itself and our delivered exogenous antigens.
• Support planning of animal studies to evaluate vaccine candidates in-vivo
• Explore and pursue opportunities to automate routine processes / methods. o Author technical documents (protocols, reports) and support preparation of regulatory documents.
• Interact with CRO/CDMO team members, and other SMEs as dictated by project needs.
• Ensure that work is performed following current, phase-appropriate regulatory and quality compliance requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of new scientific literature directly related to GIVAX programmatic priorities.

• In collaboration with Vaccine Project Head, create and monitor experimental plans, cost estimations, schedule, and resourcing plan.
• Engage with external partners and other SMEs as dictated by project needs.
• Monitor key milestones, decision points, and critical path activities associated with his/her function to ensure timely achievement of project deliverables.
• Identify and assess risks and roadblocks, and develop mitigation plans to address risks.

• Provide support to Senior Leadership to achieve the company mission.
• Interact with colleagues transparently and cooperatively, contributing to an open exchange of ideas among team members.
• Ensure efficient and agile communication of key information, processes, workflows, and operational elements in various circumstances.

• Hands-on lab role
• Reports to the Vaccine Project Head
• Title will commiserate experience
• Location: Philadelphia, PA

• PhD in life science discipline or equivalent years’ experience required
• Authorization to work in the United States required

• PhD in a life science discipline with >1 year of postdoctoral experience
• Scientific publications in virology
• Minimum 5 years of experience in basic research

• Expertise in animal models for viral infection (rotavirus preferred).
• Experience in working with infectious diseases (BSL2 or above).
• Working knowledge of virology, immunology, molecular biology, and protein chemistry.
• Experience in vaccine early- and/or late-stage development and manufacturing.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams effectively and to build strong relationships with partners.
• Ability to work independently and take personal initiative to complete tasks.
• Strong organizational/time management skills and ability prioritize tasks.
• Flexibility and willingness to support the team in execution of project goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, fluency in English (written and spoken).