Scientist II, Immunology

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 Scientist II, Immunology to join our South San Francisco team. This is an onsite position in our South San Francisco Office.

Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated, Scientist I/II to join our Immunology team. This individual will lead clinical and preclinical immunology studies supporting the advancement of our mucosal vaccine platform generating data that informs key research and development decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Independently design, optimize, execute and analyze cellular and humoral immunology assays including multiparameter flow cytometry (10+ colors), MesoScale Discovery (MSD), and neutralization assays using human biospecimens.
• Design and optimize ex vivo immune profiling studies using human PBMCs and other clinical samples.
• Lead and manage external and internal in-vitro and in-vivo pre-clinical studies.
• Develop and optimize laboratory methods and SOPs.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Research and Clinical teams to achieve project goals.
• Contributes to scientific publications, regulatory documents, and grant applications.
• Present scientific findings, project updates, and strategic recommendations to multidisciplinary teams.

Requirements:

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or relevant discipline.
• Strong understanding of cellular immunology and humoral responses, particularly in the context of infectious disease and/or vaccination.
• Extensive experience designing, executing and interpreting multiparameter flow cytometry.
• Strong understanding of human immune cell immunophenotyping and functional assays, including activation-induced marker (AIM) and memory T cell analysis.
• Experience working with clinical samples in a regulated or industry environment preferred
• Proficiency using FlowJo, GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Office software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting scientific data to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal communication and organization skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work on-site at our laboratory in South San Francisco, CA

In accordance with California’s Pay Transparency law, Vaxart’s base salary range for this position is approximately $130,000 - $150,000 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. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity 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 provides equal employment opportunities without regard to 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 law.

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.