Research Associate, Bioassay Automation

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 Research Associate, Bioassay Automation to join our growing South San Francisco team!

Summary:

The Research Associate is a member of Analytical Development group and assists in development of bioassay methods for measurement of infectivity units and transgene expression for adenovirus-based vaccine. In this role the candidate supports scientists in automating existing assays using robotics platform. Additionally, he/she is responsible for analyzing in-process samples using automated equipment to support development and manufacture of recombinant Ad5 vectors used for oral vaccines. The candidate should have experience with automation, instrument operation, and experimental design for bioassays.

Responsibilities:

• Performs experiments that will be required for conversion of manually executed bioanalytical methods into automated assays.
• Instrumentation setup, routine calibration, and maintenance.
• Sample analysis using automated equipment.
• 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.
• Communicate and summarize results to management and colleagues.

Requirements:

• BS/MS degree in Engineering, Cell biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines with 5+ 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.
• Familiarity 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).
• Willingness/eagerness to learn new skills with automation.
• Attention to detail / organized.
• Familiarity with 96-well plate assays like ELISA / Immunoassays, Cell-based Assays, or Biochemical 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.