Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Bioassay Automation

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Job description

About Us:

Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a range of oral recombinant vaccines based on its proprietary delivery platform. Vaxart vaccines are administered using convenient room temperature-stable tablets that can be stored and shipped without refrigeration.

Vaxart has demonstrated that its proprietary tablet vaccine delivery platform is suitable to deliver recombinant vaccines, positioning the company to develop oral versions of currently marketed vaccines and to design recombinant vaccines for new indications. Its development programs currently include tablet vaccines designed to protect against coronavirus, norovirus, seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as a therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), Vaxart's first immuno-oncology indication.

Our mission is the promotion of global health through the development of effective vaccines that can be administered by tablet rather than by injection, providing for the simple and efficient distribution and administration of safe vaccines in any setting.

We are looking for a Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Bioassay Automation to join our growing South San Francisco team!

Summary:

The Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Bioassay Automation is a member of Analytical Development Group and develops bioassay methods for measurement of infectivity units and transgene expression for adenovirus-based vaccine. The candidate plays a key role in automating existing assays using robotics platform. This role is focused on automation and programming of machine instrumentation. The candidate should have experience with automation, instrument operation, programming, and experimental design for bioassays.

Responsibilities:

• Designs experiments, planning, organization, and execution of studies.
• Initiate investigation and troubleshooting of data discrepancies, analysis methods and instrumentation malfunctions.
• Instrumentation setup, routine calibration, and maintenance
• Feasibility studies for quick evaluation of analytical testing.
• Supports methods transfer to other teams.
• Documentation, writing SOP's, validation protocols and reports.
• Summarize and apply data generated from experiments and scientific literature to guide and support process development activities.
• Training of staff to run assays and to carry on general laboratory activities, maintain training, and compliance records.
• Communicate and summarize results to management, colleagues, and external collaborators.

Requirements:

• PhD/MS degree in Engineering, Cell biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines with 8+ years of experience, preferably in biotech or pharmaceutical industry with focus on automation and assay development.
• Experience with statistical methods for data analysis (e.g., JMP).
• Familiarity with FDA, cGMP, and ICH regulatory requirements related to bioassay/potency assay development and qualification.
• Experience with method validation and transfer to in-house QC.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with automated instruments including, liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Biomek) plate washers, plate readers.
• Experience with automation software, (e.g., Tecan Fluent).
• Experience with script writing for analytical testing.
• Willingness/eagerness to learn new skills with automation.
• Attention to detail / organized.
• Familiarity with IU, transgene expression, ELISA / Immunoassays, Cell-based Assays, or Biochemical Assays.
• Familiarity with 96-well plate assays.
• Ability to work within a fast-paced environment.

Vaccination Requirement:

Vaxart has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy which requires our employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID as a condition of employment. Vaxart will make reasonable accommodations for valid exemptions based on disability, medical, or religious reasons. Vaxart prioritizes sound science and available facts to best ensure the ongoing safety of our employees and the community.

Vaxart offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a robust health plan, bonus program, stock options, 401K with employer matching, tuition assistance, and work life balance.

Vaxart is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for all applicants and employees. Equal opportunity and consideration are afforded to all qualified applicants and employees in personnel actions, which include recruiting and hiring, selection for training, promotion, rates of pay or other compensation, transfer, discipline, demotion, and layoff or termination. Vaxart does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, family medical history or genetic information, citizenship, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, military status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.

Vaxart offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a bonus program, stock options, 401K with employer matching, tuition assistance, and work life balance.

Vaxart is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for all applicants and employees. Equal opportunity and consideration are afforded to all qualified applicants and employees in personnel actions, which include recruiting and hiring, selection for training, promotion, rates of pay or other compensation, transfer, discipline, demotion, and layoff or termination. Vaxart does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, family medical history or genetic information, citizenship, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, military status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.