Role description
Associate Scientist, Virology
CentivaxCompany Overview:
Our team is growing! Centivax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing broad-spectrum vaccines and therapeutics targeting mutation-diverse pathogens. We leverage computational bioengineering and immunoengineering to design broad-spectrum vaccines and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against rapidly evolving viruses, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other viral and non-viral pathogens. Most recently, Centivax has initiated a Phase 1 clinical study of a universal influenza vaccine candidate.
Position Overview:
Centivax is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support our virology research efforts under the direction of our lead virologist. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing critical assays, maintaining viral stocks, and supporting molecular cloning efforts in the development of novel vaccines and therapeutic antibodies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform high-throughput Viral Microneutralization and Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) assays to assess anti-influenza antibody efficacy.
- Grow, maintain, and characterize viral and pseudoviral stocks, including influenza and other priority pathogens.
- Perform mammalian cell culture and transfection experiments.
- Assist in viral plaque assays, TCID50 assays, and other virological techniques.
- Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records (according to GDP standards) in validated electronic lab notebooks (ELN) under a GLP environment.
- Analyze and interpret data, providing detailed reports and presentations to the research team.
- Ensure compliance with biosafety and regulatory guidelines (BSL-2+ environment, GCP, GLP, GDP).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other research and clinical operations teams, including immunology and protein engineering groups.
- Assist in manuscript preparation and scientific presentations as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- M.S. degree in virology, molecular biology, microbiology, or a related field, or a B.S. degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
- Hands-on experience with high-throughput viral neutralization and HAI assays is highly desirable.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and viral propagation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using automated liquid handling systems is desired.
- Experience with biosafety protocols and handling of viral pathogens.
- Experience with handling and running assays on samples from clinical trials.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with RNA viruses and mRNA-based vaccine technologies.
- Previous work in a BSL-2/BSL-2+ laboratory setting.
- Experience with data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or Python/R for scientific analysis.
- Experience with additional pathogens including HIV, CoV, malaria, and human herpes viruses would be a plus.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package. Salary will be based on skills and experience, range $80-120k.
- Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment focused on high-impact infectious disease therapeutics.
- Collaborative and dynamic team culture.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
Centivax is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. If you are passionate about virology and vaccine development and are looking for an opportunity to contribute to transformative scientific advancements, we encourage you to apply.