Industrial Postdoc, Vaccine Development

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 a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher to join our R&D team focused on developing innovative vaccines targeting gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge academic research excellence with industrial vaccine development in a dynamic commercial setting.

Leveraging previously acquired academic and/or work experience, the post-doc will be responsible for the research leading to the design and selection of the best possible rotavirus vector and / or the associated vaccine antigen / vaccine candidates. The incumbent will report to the Director of Vaccine Projects & will work in collaboration with the R&D team located in our laboratory in Philadelphia. 

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

• Lead a project related to optimization of a rotavirus vaccine vector for desirable candidate characteristics including high rescue efficiency, high growth titer, stability on serial passage, antigenic similarity to existing RV vaccine viruses and/or design and selection of best norovirus antigen characteristics including antigen composition and valency.
• Generate fit for purpose methods to characterize vector viruses to ensure quality and presentation of both the vector itself and our delivered exogenous antigens.
• Follow good documentation practices using electronic notebook software.

• 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.
• Participate in relevant Project Teams and proactively maintain an open communication channel with other areas of the company to facilitate collaboration across the company.
• 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 Director of Vaccine Projects 
• Location: Philadelphia, PA

• PhD in a life science discipline
• Scientific publications in reverse genetics (rotavirus-specific preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in basic research

• Excitement to be better equipped to take on industry roles, specifically in small biotech
• Experience in working with infectious diseases (BSL2 or above)
• Working knowledge of virology, immunology, molecular biology, and protein chemistry.
• 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).