Scientist - Microbiology - Bacterial (Tuberculosis / Group A Strep) Vaccines

PopVax is an Indian full-stack biotech building first-in-class and best-in-class vaccines and cancer immunotherapies using machine learning-driven design and relentless empiricism. We design, develop, and manufacture our own RNA medicines end-to-end because we believe great pharmaceutical science can only flourish in tight feedback loops that iterate rapidly. PopVax's experimental work and clinical dose production is based at the RNA Foundry, our integrated R&D and GMP-capable clinical dose production facility in Hyderabad.

PopVax's north star is our goal of developing novel vaccines and therapeutics over the next decade with the cumulative ability to save 1 million lives each year – the Million Lives Mission. To that end, we are developing first-in-class vaccines against Hepatitis C Virus, Strep A, and adult pulmonary TB, broadly-protective best-in-class vaccines against COVID-19, influenza, and HPV, and precision immunotherapies against hard-to-treat solid tumours such as liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Our work is funded by Vitalik Buterin's Balvi Fund, the Gates Foundation, the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and Renaissance Philanthropy. Our first vaccine program will begin a Phase I clinical trial in the US in mid-2026 conducted & sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We intend to put 6 novel vaccines and immunotherapies into Phase I clinical trials over the next 3 years.

No matter the job title, each person's role at PopVax is ultimately focused on helping take safe & effective new medicines that represent a step-change improvement on the current standard-of-care to the people who need them as fast as possible. If you want to work where the ambition is high, the learning curve is steep, and the work matters to billions, you'll feel at home here.

If you're excited by the idea of advancing scientific, clinical, and regulatory frontiers of vaccines and immunotherapies, spending each day developing medicines with the potential to save millions of lives, and building a generational global pharmaceutical company in India along the way – join us!

We are seeking an exceptional Scientist for our Hyderabad labs who will perform crucial experimental work related to ongoing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) and Group A Streptococcus (GAS) projects. This will involve in-depth investigations into understanding immune responses, and evaluating vaccine efficacy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiology & immunology, with a proven track record in laboratory research. They should be capable of working independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced research environment, contributing significantly to our mission of developing effective vaccines against these critical pathogens.

Qualifications

• For MSc/MTech Candidates: A Master's degree (MSc or MTech) in Microbiology, Life Sciences, or Biotechnology, coupled with 1-3 years of demonstrable relevant experience in the areas outlined above.
• For Ph.D. Candidates: A Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Life Sciences, or Biotechnology, with relevant experience as described. The Ph.D. experience should reflect a strong research background and the ability to design and execute independent research projects.
• Prior hands-on experience working with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) is highly preferred. This includes knowledge of their growth characteristics, handling precautions, and relevant experimental methodologies.
• Demonstrate robust analytical skills to critically evaluate experimental outcomes, identify trends, and draw sound conclusions.
• 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, 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.
Skills Required
Analytical Skills, Immunology, Laboratory Research, Microbiology