Job Title: R&D Scientist – Antigen Expression – Vaccine Development
Location: Genvax Technologies, Inc., Ames, IA USA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Research & Development / Manufacturing
Reports To: Chief Scientific Officer
Job Summary:
Genvax Technologies is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented R&D Scientist – Antigen Expression to join our growing Research and Development team. This role focuses on the design, expression, and optimization of antigenic gene sequences for use in our next-generation vaccine platform. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and recombinant protein expression to help develop novel antigen candidates. This individual will play a key role in supporting the rapid advancement of the Genvax platform from early research through regulatory approval and manufacturing scale-up.
Key Responsibilities:
Antigen & Gene Design:
- Design antigenic targets using peer-reviewed published information, bioinformatics tools, and structural data.
- Clone and optimize gene sequences for efficient expression in the Genvax proprietary vaccine platform as well as tool expression systems such as bacterial, insect, and mammalian expression systems
- Analyze pathogen genomes to identify novel or conserved targets for candidate vaccine constructs.
Protein Expression & Purification:
- Optimize gene of interest antigen targets for the Genvax vaccine platform for expression in the target species of interest for product development
- Express recombinant proteins in microbial or mammalian systems.
- Purify proteins using standard techniques (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion chromatography).
- Characterize proteins using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, and other analytical methods.
Platform Development & Optimization:
- Collaborate with formulation scientists to integrate expressed antigens into proprietary vector(s) and incorporate into delivery systems
- Optimize expression vector for the host systems (e.g., swine, cattle, poultry, feline, canine) for yield, stability, and scalability.
- Troubleshoot expression bottlenecks and contribute to product development optimization based on the gene of interest antigen targets or optimization of the vector for product optimization towards the indication of interest.
Molecular Biology & Assay Support:
- Perform DNA/RNA cloning, PCR, qPCR, and mutagenesis.
- Support the development of functional assays for protein characterization and immunogenicity testing.
- Document experimental protocols and results in electronic lab notebooks and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Quality, Compliance & Collaboration:
- Follow all applicable biosafety, quality, and USDA-CVB guidelines.
- Perform cell culture, bacterial culture, and molecular biology techniques under aseptic conditions.
- Prepare and maintain sterile media, buffers, and reagents.
- Conduct microbial and sterility testing to ensure contamination-free processes.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records to support regulatory filings and tech transfer.
- Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams including bioinformatics, formulation, and regulatory affairs.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry or a related field.
- 1-3 years of hands-on experience in molecular cloning, protein structure, protein expression and purification and analytical techniques.
- Proficiency in recombinant DNA techniques and molecular cloning.
- Experience with prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic expression systems.
- Experience with sterile handling of biological materials and working in BSL-2 environments.
- Knowledge of vaccine formulation principles, including adjuvants and stabilizers.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for vaccine development.
- Experience with or willingness to learn Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with codon optimization and antigen design.
- Hands-on experience with LIMS and electronic lab notebooks.
- Prior exposure to structural biology or epitope mapping.
- Familiarity with immunological assays such as ELISA or flow cytometry.
- Experience in a regulated or industrial biotechnology environment.
Competencies & Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and laboratory systems
The R&D Scientist must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.