Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vaccine Research Officer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Vaccine Research Officer, you will be a key contributor to our innovative vaccine discovery and development programs. You will operate at the heart of our research engine, designing and executing critical experiments to evaluate vaccine candidates, from initial concept to preclinical validation. This role requires a deep understanding of immunology and virology, coupled with exceptional hands-on laboratory skills. You will be responsible for generating high-quality, reproducible data that will directly inform strategic decisions and guide the progression of our most promising vaccine pipelines. This is an opportunity to apply your scientific expertise in a dynamic, mission-driven environment dedicated to improving global health.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Immunology/Virology)
Research Associate / Senior Research Associate
PhD Graduate with relevant thesis work

Advancement To:

Senior Research Scientist / Senior Officer
Principal Investigator / Principal Scientist
Research & Development Manager

Lateral Moves:

Clinical Scientist
Medical Science Liaison
Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and execute complex in vitro and ex vivo immunological assays, including multi-color flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, and multiplex cytokine analysis (Luminex), to characterize immune responses to vaccine candidates.
Independently plan and conduct experiments for the evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy in preclinical animal models, including study design, dosing, and sample collection.
Perform and optimize a wide range of viral and cell-based functional assays, such as plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT), microneutralization assays, and pseudovirus neutralization assays (PsVNA).
Apply advanced molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for antigen design and characterization.
Culture and maintain a variety of mammalian cell lines and primary cells, ensuring aseptic technique and performing cell-based assays for vaccine evaluation.
Lead the production, purification, and characterization of recombinant proteins and viral vectors (e.g., AAV, Lentivirus) to be used as vaccine antigens or research tools.
Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate large, complex datasets, utilizing statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R) to draw meaningful conclusions and propose next steps.
Maintain meticulous, detailed, and accurate records of all experimental procedures, raw data, and results in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) in compliance with company standards.
Author, review, and edit technical documents, including study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and comprehensive scientific reports for internal use and regulatory submissions.
Prepare and present scientific findings and project updates to internal cross-functional teams, senior management, and at external scientific conferences.
Stay current with the latest scientific literature, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape in vaccine research to foster innovation and contribute novel ideas.
Troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols to resolve scientific challenges, enhance assay performance, and ensure data robustness and reproducibility.
Manage laboratory resources, including ordering of reagents and consumables, and oversee the operation and maintenance of key laboratory equipment.
Collaborate effectively with colleagues across various departments, including Process Development, Analytical Development, and Preclinical Operations, to ensure seamless project progression.
Ensure all laboratory work is conducted in strict accordance with safety guidelines and regulatory requirements, including work within BSL-2 or BSL-3 containment facilities.
Develop novel assays and technology platforms to enhance the capabilities of the research team and accelerate vaccine discovery timelines.
Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and support the generation of intellectual property filings.
Train and mentor junior research associates, providing scientific guidance, technical expertise, and fostering their professional development.
Participate in the evaluation of new vaccine targets and platforms, contributing to the strategic direction of the research portfolio.
Manage and coordinate activities with external partners and contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure timely delivery of high-quality data.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer critical business and scientific questions.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by championing data integrity and best practices.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering and experimental requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering and research teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Immunological Assays: Extensive experience with ELISA, ELISpot, and Luminex.
Flow Cytometry: Proficiency in multi-color panel design, sample acquisition, and data analysis using software like FlowJo or FCS Express.
Cell Culture: Mastery of aseptic techniques for mammalian cell line maintenance, primary cell isolation, and cell-based assays.
Virology Techniques: Hands-on experience with viral propagation, titration (TCID50/plaque assays), and neutralization assays.
Molecular Biology: Strong skills in PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, plasmid design, and protein expression.
Protein Biochemistry: Knowledge of protein expression, purification (e.g., AKTA), and characterization (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western Blot).
Animal Models: Experience with in vivo studies, including handling, dosing, and sample collection in rodents.
Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in GraphPad Prism, with experience in R or Python being a significant plus.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP): Understanding of and experience working within a GLP or similarly regulated environment.
Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN): Experience maintaining detailed records in an ELN system.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to independently troubleshoot experiments and analyze complex scientific challenges.
Scientific Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex data clearly and concisely.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A proven ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to experimental execution and data documentation.
Adaptability: Flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic research setting with evolving priorities.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple experiments and projects simultaneously.
Scientific Curiosity: A passion for learning and a drive to stay at the forefront of vaccine research.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with significant, directly related industry experience.

Preferred Education:

A Ph.D. in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Immunology
Virology
Molecular & Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Bioengineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

PhD: 0-3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
MS: 5-8+ years of directly relevant experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.

Preferred:

Direct industry experience in the discovery and development of vaccines (mRNA, protein subunit, viral vector) is highly desirable. Experience working in BSL-2+ environments is a strong asset.