Research Associate I/II at Vaxart, Inc.

About Vaxart

Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a range of oral recombinant vaccines based on its proprietary delivery platform. Vaxart vaccines are designed to be administered using pills that can be stored and shipped without refrigeration and eliminate the risk of needle-stick injury. Vaxart believes that its proprietary pill 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. Vaxart’s development programs currently include pill vaccines designed to protect against coronavirus, norovirus and influenza, as well as a therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), Vaxart’s first immune-oncology indication. Vaxart has filed broad domestic and international patent applications covering its proprietary technology and creations for oral vaccination using adenovirus and TLR3 agonists.

We are looking for a Research Associate I/II to join our South San Francisco team. This is an onsite position in our South San Francisco Office.

Summary

The Research Associate I/II is responsible for planning and executing immunological assays, with assistance from the manager, to support pre-clinical research and clinical trials, including work with human cells and cell lines, animal models, and in vitro assays. A Research Associate I/II is expected draw conclusions from their work, recommend new methods when applicable, and support various research projects. We are seeking a self-motivated, organized and energetic Research Associate I/II to join our R&D team to support advancing our vaccine platform in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct various cell-based and biochemical assays such as ELISA, MSD, ELISpot, flow cytometry, viral plaque assays, and western blots that support the clinical development of our vaccine candidates with minimal supervision.
• Experience planning, executing experiments, analyzing data and interpreting results.
• Strong capacity to take on new tasks and techniques with an ability to juggle needs across multiple parallel projects.
• Operates, collaborates and communicates effectively with other R&D team members.
• Support day-to-day operations, service, and troubleshooting for the available equipment in the lab and maintain accurate records of all data and procedures.
• Plan, execute, analyze, and interpret immunological assays.
• Procure, organize, and maintain inventory of materials needed for experiments.
• Assist the R&D team in assay development by recommending improvements to procedures and protocols.
• Capable of working both independently and in a team setting.
  
  

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular and/or Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology or relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience in either an academic or industry setting developing and executing a variety of immunoassays.
• Experience with basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques, such PCR/qPCR, western blotting, nucleic acid extraction, and ELISA.
• Hands on experience in mammalian tissue cell culture and sterile technique.
• Experience developing and optimizing laboratory protocols.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Team oriented with strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
  
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Expertise in flow cytometry-based assays is a major plus.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian tissue cell culture and sterile technique.
• Prior experience of handling human biological specimens and/or working with murine models.
• Experience using GraphPad Prism software.
  
  

In accordance with California’s Pay Transparency law, Vaxart’s base salary range for this position is approximately $70,000- $105,000 USD annually. The actual salary for this role will vary based on a variety of factors including education, job-related knowledge, and experience. This range does not include equity, benefits, bonuses, or other non-monetary compensation which may be included.

Vaxart offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package, including robust health plan options, bonus program, stock options, 401(k) with employer matching, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, 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.

NOTICE TO RECRUITERS AND STAFFING AGENCIES: Vaxart, Inc. has an internal recruiting department. Vaxart may supplement that internal capability from time to time with assistance from temporary staffing agencies, placement services, and professional recruiters ('Agency'). Agencies are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Vaxart employees directly to present candidates. Vaxart’s recruiting team or other authorized Vaxart personnel must present ALL candidates to hiring managers.

To protect the interests of all parties, Vaxart will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Vaxart, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Vaxart mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Vaxart employees, or to Vaxart's resume database will be considered Vaxart property. Vaxart will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Vaxart will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.

The Agency must obtain advance written approval from Vaxart's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Vaxart will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place.

Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by an officer of Vaxart or their designee. No other Vaxart employee is authorized to bind Vaxart to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies. Vaxart hereby specifically rejects, and denies any liability under, any agreement purporting to be accepted based on negative consent, negotiation with a candidate, performance, or any means other than the signature of a Vaxart officer.