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. this year. 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. Our work to date has been funded primarily via project agreements totalling 10+ million USD with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Vitalik Buterin's public health & biosecurity organisation Balvi.We are looking for an exceptional Scientist for our Hyderabad labs who will be responsible for executing molecular biology workflows for gene expression, protein production, and assay development for various programs. The role demands strong expertise in recombinant DNA technology, experimental design, and troubleshooting, as well as the ability to independently plan and execute projects in a collaborative research environment.
Qualifications
- A PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or Molecular Biology, or M.Sc. with 5–7 years of relevant industrial experience in Molecular Biology & protein expression.
- Demonstrable experience in performing DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, purification, and quantification using established and advanced molecular biology methods.
- Experienced in designing and conducting PCR, qRT-PCR, and cloning workflows using restriction enzyme–based, Gibson Assembly, Gateway, Golden Gate, and In-Fusion techniques.
- Has built vectors from scratch in silico, using molecular design software for sequence optimisation and construct validation.
- Has expressed recombinant proteins in bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian cells, including both transient and stable transfection systems.
- Carried out biochemical and molecular assays, including ELISA and nucleic acid/protein quantification using spectroscopic and fluorometric methods.
- Performed protein–protein interaction studies (e.g., pull-downs, co-IP, affinity purification) and support assay development for new molecular platforms.
- Participated in high-throughput cloning, screening, and expression studies to evaluate construct performance and optimise conditions.
- 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.
- 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, quality standards and data traceability in accordance with GLP/GMP documentation at all times 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.
