The Research Scientist will work on novel vaccines and biologics evaluation and characterization to help support the discovery and development of target antigens and therapeutics for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The candidate will work collaboratively with internal and external teams to help advance the Hilleman Laboratories pipeline. Research activities will involve all stages of the vaccine development pathway across the value chain until clinical POC, characterization,and evaluation in vitro and in vivo to the validation of clinical samples from human trials. Applicants should be outstanding at lab-based research, collaborative team members, excellent communicators with a passion for learning, innovation and improving public health.
Responsibilities
Development and evaluation of studies for pre-clinical and translational studies for vaccines/biologicals
Support the evaluation of novel vaccine and immunotherapy candidates in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo
Develop and support the routine performance of a variety of functional analytics (e.g. ELISA) and bacterial and viral neutralization assays.
Manage CRO that has expertise in optimizing and performing cell-based immunology assays
Conceive and implement a variety of functional assays to support the biological characterization of clinical and preclinical vaccine candidates.
Assist in the identification and validation of new targets for vaccine or therapeutic intervention.
Work closely with preclinical CROs and academic collaborators to conduction in vivo studies, develop assays and immunological endpoint evaluations for preclinical studies and critically interpret results.
Identify and implement relevant novel immunological approaches and technology to accelerate infectious disease research.
Manage multiple experiments, projects, and interactions with supporting functions simultaneously.
Interpret, troubleshoot, and report complex data.
Write research reports to support regulatory filings and manuscripts to publish data in high impact journals.
Work closely with cross-functional teams across Hilleman Laboratories as a subject matter expert.
Education, behavioral competencies and skills
Master or Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, or Cell Biology with at least 2-3 years of related postdoctoral research or biotech/pharma industry experience. Exceptional recent Master or Ph.D. candidates would also be considered.
Publication of original scientific work in high-quality journals in the field of immunology or vaccinology.
Independently design and execute new experimental approaches under minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to design and set up of in vitro assays, serological analysis, and cell-based assays to evaluate immune responses to vaccination.
Hands on mouse work and/or primary human cell experience is a bonus.
The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; strong leadership skills and independence skills are expected.
Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.