Principal Scientist, Head of Protein Biochemistry, Viral Vaccines

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced protein biochemist to lead the Viral Vaccines Protein Biochemistry team. The successful candidate will provide strategic and innovative scientific leadership in the design, expression, purification, and characterization of viral protein antigens to support viral vaccine programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the protein biochemistry team in Viral Vaccine Department, drive the early-stage development of complex viral glycoproteins and antigens to support vaccine candidate development and assay development in collaboration with Research Scientific Leads across different viral vaccine programs.
• Build, develop, and manage a team of scientists and associate scientists. Oversee daily laboratory activities, develop efficient laboratory workflows, and provide hands-on training to junior colleagues to maximize group productivity.
• Implement and optimize state-of-the-art purification and characterization techniques (e.g., FPLC, HPLC, Western blotting, UV-Vis, BLI, etc) to ensure reproducible protocols and deep product understanding.
• Partner with cross-functional project teams to deliver high-quality purified protein antigens required for downstream assay development, structural analysis, and in vivo small animal studies.
• Ensure robust, high-quality documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks. Author technical reports, prepare data packages that could underpin regulatory documents, and confidently present findings, strategies, and project milestones to leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a related discipline with 4 to 7 years of industry laboratory experience.
• Deep hands-on expertise in recombinant protein expression, purification methodologies, and biophysical characterization.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising laboratory staff, with a proven track record of mentoring junior scientists and successfully managing project deliverables.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and verbal) to effectively influence and collaborate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.