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 recombinant virus vector development.
• Experience with virus purification technology based on ultrafiltration is preferred.
• Willingness to manage a research team as well as contribute to bench work as needed.
• Must have a strong desire to remain current in scientific and technical literature in your field.
• Experience working under controlled conditions to generate seed viruses and stable cell lines that can be qualified for transfer to a GMP contract laboratory is preferred.
• Working knowledge of FDA current Good Laboratory Practices and current Documentation Practices is desirable.
• Track record demonstrating ability to assume responsibility for composing components of complex documents such as IND submission packages, manuscripts, patents, funder reports, and grant applications is required.

Organizational Overview:

IAVI is a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to addressing urgent, unmet global health challenges including HIV and tuberculosis. Our mission is to translate scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. Through scientific and clinical research in Africa, India, Europe, and the U.S., IAVI is pioneering the development of biomedical innovations designed for broad global access. We develop vaccines and antibodies in and for the developing world and seek to accelerate their introduction in low-income countries. IAVI programs and partnerships are grounded in the regions of the world where the disease burden is the greatest, and our approach emphasizes sustainability. Our network of clinical research center partners in Africa and India helps strengthen in-country research capacity and supports the training and education of the next generation of scientists. The global impact of our science includes fundamental contributions to understanding the biology of HIV infection, which IAVI and others are applying toward advancing vaccine science and immunology. IAVI accelerates scientific discovery and development by fostering unique collaborations among academia, industry, local communities, governments, and funders to explore new and better ways to address public health threats that disproportionately affect people living in poverty. Our global reach, including a clinical research network in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in India, has allowed us to make fundamental contributions to understanding the epidemiology, transmission, virology, and immunology of HIV. This work played a key role in facilitating the design of promising HIV vaccine candidates, as well as the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that are now being advanced as promising approaches for HIV prevention. Our integrated capabilities in vaccine and antibody discovery, development, and clinical research take advantage of bio-pharmaceutical industry expertise to accelerate the development and testing of prevention methods for HIV and other diseases. Through the Product Development Center, we support external researchers with technical and scientific expertise to accelerate the development of their own products. 

IAVI CORE VALUES:

• Dedication to the Mission: We are committed to the translation of scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. 
• Innovative Evolution: We are committed to solving complex problems in creative and innovative ways, learning from our mistakes and successes and never giving up 
• Integrity: We are committed to meeting the highest ethical and professional standards in everything we do and to taking responsibility for our actions to earn respect 
• Collaboration: We are committed to embracing diversity, the power of global teamwork and the belief that by working as one we can make a difference

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. IAVI is an equal opportunity employer and applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. 

IAVI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER actively committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive global organization. IAVI believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a representative candidate pool. At IAVI, we celebrate the spectrum of colleagues’ experiences and believe that dedication to our mission above all is essential to our success as a scientific global non-profit. IAVI upholds these principles through IAVI’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

IAVI has zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, caste, national origin, home language, ancestry, religion, marital or civil partnership status, age, physical or mental disability, HIV status and any other medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status, in addition to any other status protected under the law in any of our locations worldwide.

Compensation and Benefits Information for US-Based Candidates:  

The annual base salary for this position is targeted at $130,000.00 - 150,000.00 with some variation based on experience level. In addition, this position offers competitive benefits such as annual bonus, generous retirement savings plan, three health insurance plans to choose from, and other benefits.