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Vaccine Research Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

BiotechnologyResearchLife SciencesPharmaceutical

🎯 Role Definition

The Vaccine Research Assistant is a cornerstone of the scientific research team, playing a pivotal, hands-on role in the journey of a vaccine candidate from initial concept to preclinical and early clinical evaluation. This position is responsible for executing critical laboratory experiments, generating high-quality data, and maintaining the rigorous standards required in a regulated research environment. Working under the guidance of senior scientists, the Research Assistant provides the essential technical support that enables the progression of groundbreaking vaccine programs. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented and motivated individual with a foundational understanding of biology and a passion for making a tangible impact on public health.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Bachelor's or Master's Degree graduate (Biology, Immunology, etc.)
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Academic Research Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Research Associate / Senior Research Associate
  • Scientist I
  • Bioanalytical Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control (QC) Analyst
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Process Development Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform sterile mammalian cell culture, including the maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and characterization of various cell lines essential for viral propagation and assay execution.
  • Execute a diverse range of molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extraction, conventional PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and gel electrophoresis, to analyze and quantify genetic material.
  • Conduct a variety of established immunological and virological assays, including but not limited to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), plaque assays, neutralization assays, and Western blots, to measure immune responses and vaccine efficacy.
  • Meticulously prepare and process biological samples (e.g., blood, serum, plasma, tissue) from preclinical or clinical studies according to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring sample integrity for downstream analysis.
  • Maintain highly detailed, accurate, and contemporaneous records of all experimental protocols, observations, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) to ensure data traceability and support regulatory submissions.
  • Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on essential laboratory equipment, including biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, plate readers, and microscopes, troubleshooting minor technical issues as they arise.
  • Prepare critical laboratory reagents, buffers, media, and stock solutions with precision, performing quality control checks to ensure consistency and reliability across all experiments.
  • Assist in the development, optimization, and validation of new bioanalytical assays under the direct supervision of senior scientific staff to enhance the team's research capabilities.
  • Support in vivo studies by assisting with animal handling, dosing, and sample collection in strict accordance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines and approved protocols.
  • Analyze, graph, and interpret experimental data using software such as GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, or Microsoft Excel, preparing preliminary data summaries for internal review and discussion.
  • Adhere rigorously to all laboratory safety protocols, including the proper handling and disposal of biohazardous materials (BSL-2), chemical waste, and sharps, to maintain a safe working environment for all personnel.
  • Isolate primary cells, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), from whole blood and other tissues, performing subsequent functional assays to evaluate cellular immune responses to vaccination.
  • Present experimental data and project updates clearly and concisely during internal team meetings, contributing to the scientific discourse and collaborative problem-solving process.
  • Perform routine screening of vaccine constructs or formulations using established medium- or high-throughput assays to identify lead candidates for further development.

Secondary Functions

  • Manage laboratory inventory by tracking, ordering, and stocking consumables, reagents, and other critical supplies to prevent workflow interruptions.
  • Author and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other technical documents for established laboratory methods to ensure procedural consistency and facilitate team training.
  • Contribute to general lab maintenance and organization, including cleaning of common areas, equipment scheduling, and participation in lab-wide safety inspections.
  • Stay current with relevant scientific literature and emerging techniques in virology, immunology, and vaccine development to foster personal growth and contribute new ideas.
  • Assist in the preparation of technical reports, study protocols, and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support the transfer of assays and processes to other groups, such as Process Development or Quality Control, by providing documentation and hands-on assistance as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Aseptic & Cell Culture Technique: Proficiency in maintaining and manipulating mammalian cell lines in a sterile environment.
  • Immunoassays: Hands-on experience with ELISA, Western Blotting, or similar antibody-based detection methods.
  • Molecular Biology Techniques: Competency in nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and qPCR.
  • Data Analysis Software: Experience using GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and Microsoft Excel for data processing and visualization.
  • Laboratory Documentation: Skill in maintaining detailed and accurate records in an electronic or physical lab notebook (ELN/LN).
  • Bio-safety Practices: Knowledge of BSL-2 (or higher) laboratory procedures and safety protocols.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in executing complex protocols and recording data.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve minor technical issues with experiments and equipment.
  • Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with the team.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a diverse scientific team.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt to shifting project priorities and new scientific challenges in a fast-paced research setting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred: 1+ years of hands-on research experience in a biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry or academic laboratory setting is highly desirable. Experience gained through internships, co-ops, or post-baccalaureate programs is strongly considered.

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