Principal Scientist, Vaccine Vector Design and Early Development Lab

As an organization whose mission is to translate science into global public health impact, working on vaccines and therapeutics, IAVI has a vaccine policy which states that subject to applicable law, we require all U.S. and Puerto Rico based employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption or accommodation. We are committed to supporting our employees during this process as we work to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Position Description

Job Title:       Principal Scientist, Vaccine Vector Design and Early Development Lab
Location:       Vaccine Design and Development Laboratory in Brooklyn, New York            
Reports to:   Director, Viral Vaccine, Vaccine Design and Development Laboratory

Position Summary:

Are you an experienced and skilled Principal Scientist who can lead a multi-functional research team serving as the subject matter expert (SME) for viral vector design and development?  This could be the right opportunity for you!

The IAVI Vaccine Design and Development Laboratory (DDL) is seeking an experienced, ambitious, and innovative Principal Scientist for the Vaccine Vector Design and Early Development Lab (EDL).  The Principal Scientist plays a key role in supporting IAVI’s rapidly growing Emerging Infectious Diseases portfolio which currently encompasses development of prophylactic viral vaccines against Lassa virus, Marburg virus, HIV-1 and SARS-COV2 and others. This is an excellent opportunity to directly participate in early phase viral vaccine development and work together with teams that are engaged in cGMP manufacturing and nonclinical safety evaluation as we progress products into clinical trials.

As the Vector Design team lead, the Scientist designs, generates, and characterizes novel live replicating viral vaccines targeting emerging infectious diseases with specific focus on recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine vectors. The Scientist supervises the operation of the EDL, which is responsible for the generation of materials compliant with cGMP manufacturing and will support preclinical studies and clinical product development.

If this sounds like you, come help IAVI translate science into global health impact, and apply today!

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, manage, and mentor a research team of 4-6 members to perform independent and original research supporting IAVI’s scientific mission.

• Manage work associated with vaccine development:
  • Design, generate and characterize VSV-based viral vectors expressing diverse viral antigens.
  • Assist in development of analytical assays to evaluate viral vectors and vaccine material.
  • Remain current in scientific literature and apply technical and functional knowledge to continually optimize current procedures.
  • Analyze, interpret, and present data.
  • Trouble-shoot and solve technical challenges.
  • Participate in composition of research manuscripts and grant proposals.

• Manage work associated with vaccine research and early development:
  • Oversee the operations of the EDL and ensure timelines and milestones are met.
  • Establish methodology and procedures to produce cGMP compliant material. Draft, review and approve working instructions, SOPs and other documentation associated with each vaccine lot.
  • Participate in upstream and downstream process development for vaccine production in the laboratory and participate in technology transfer to contract manufacturing organizations.
  • Maintain communication with Quality Assurance (QA) and Chemistry Manufacturing Controls (CMC) teams to ensure the EDL operation is compliant with cGLP.
  • Represent EDL as the SME on cross-functional teams and meetings with stakeholders.
  • Oversee the infectious material transfer to global collaborators or CMOs and ensure that shipments are compliant with international regulations.

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field from a recognized Institution is required.
• Minimum 5 years of post-graduate experience in virology and molecular biology is required.
• Experience conducting or leading viral vaccine efforts is highly preferred.
• Prior Post-doctoral training is highly desirable.

Qualification and skills:

• Experience managing and leading research scientists and teams is required.
• Experience managing research projects with time-sensitive milestones and deliverables is required.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with basic and advanced techniques associated with virology, molecular biology, and r