Virologist Jobs

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with hands-on experience in virology and immunology, and an extensive background in molecular biology, to take part in the development of broad-spectrum vaccines for quickly mutating pathogens such as influenza, HIV, and coronaviruses. Candidates must be independent to conduct research and can manage a small team of scientists.
The primary focus is to be able to oversee production of viral stocks and development of neutralization assays to assess vaccine performance in animal studies. In addition, the scientist will also development of assays to support translational aims of human clinical studies beginning in 20

• We also have vaccine candidates against HIV and beta-coronaviruses in the preclinical phase. Compensation will be based on level of experience and is competitive in the industry. All employees will receive Centivax stock options as well.
• Centivax Mission: Centivax is a universal vaccine platform technology company. Founded by leading experts in pharmaceutical development, immunology, vaccine science, computational biology, and broadly neutralizing antibody engineering, Centivax is on a mission to accelerate vaccine medical interventions for rapidly mutating pathogens. Centivax has developed an epitope-focusing vaccine platform for use in developing universal vaccines for rapidly mutating pathogens and has applied this platform to influenza. This patented universal vaccine platform has demonstrated unprecedented breadth of protection from influenza in ferrets and pigs. Centivax has been backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Naval Medical Research Center, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, the Department of Defense, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, NFX, the Global Health Investment Corporation, and the BARDA/J&J BlueKnight program. Centivax’s flagship vaccine candidate, Centi-Flu, is a universal vaccine for influenza virus, and will be entering clinical trials in Q4 20

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate and communicate:
• Safely handle infectious materials specific to these viral pathogens and maintain biohazard safety protocols.
• Propagate viral stocks for these specific viruses, ensuring high titers and quality control.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in virological techniques for influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses and incorporate innovative methodologies into laboratory workflows.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records specific to influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Validate and troubleshoot assays to ensure accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity.
• Optimize virus production methods for influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses to increase efficiency and yield.
• Cultivate and maintain cell lines and primary cell cultures specific to growing influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Quantify virus stocks using established methods (CPE, hemagglutination, plaque assays, etc.)
• Develop and validate additional assays:
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support the development of viral therapeutics and vaccines targeting influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Grow and quantify virus stocks:
• Design and optimize molecular and serological assays specific to the detection and characterization of influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses as well as other targets as needed.
• Design and execute neutralization assays specific to influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses to evaluate the efficacy of broad-spectrum vaccine candidates.
• Analyze, interpret, and present assay data from neutralization assays.
• Contribute to scientific publications, grant applications, and regulatory documentation related to influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Maintain laboratory standards:
• Perform neutralization assays on samples from vaccinated animals:
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) specific to working with BSL-2 pathogens including influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Present research findings at internal meetings, conferences, and scientific symposiums, with a focus on these specific viral pathogens.

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of virological techniques specific to these viral pathogens, including viral culture, viral titer determination, and viral neutralization assays.
• Proven experience in growing and quantifying virus stocks, specifically for influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Bonus points: Experience with animal models and conducting in vivo experiments related to these specific viruses.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, RT-qPCR, and cloning, as applied to influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, or related field.

Desired Skills And Experience

• Knowledge of immunological techniques, including flow cytometry, ELISA, and cell-based assays, specific to these viral pathogens.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software and data visualization tools.
• Experience in the development of viral vaccines or antiviral therapeutics targeting influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.
• Experience with advanced techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), viral genome engineering, or viral vector-based therapies, for influenza, HIV, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and filoviruses.

At Centivax, we foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages professional growth and scientific excellence. As a Virologist, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in viral immunology while working alongside a talented team of scientists. If you are passionate about virology, possess a strong attention to detail, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any additional supporting documents through our web portal. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the Centivax team.
Note: Centivax is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Powered by JazzHR