Application Guide

How to Apply for Analytical Scientist - HPLC (ideally with LC-MS experience)

at PopVax

🏢 About PopVax

PopVax is a unique full-stack biotech company that integrates machine learning-driven design with end-to-end RNA medicine development, from design to GMP manufacturing. Their ambitious 'Million Lives Mission' to save lives through novel vaccines and cancer immunotherapies, backed by prestigious funders like the Gates Foundation and BARDA, makes it an exciting place for scientists wanting to see rapid translation of research into clinical impact.

About This Role

This Analytical Scientist role focuses on HPLC method development and analysis, ideally with LC-MS experience, to support the characterization and quality control of RNA-based vaccines and immunotherapies. The position is critical for ensuring product quality and advancing PopVax's pipeline, directly contributing to their mission of developing life-saving medicines through tight feedback loops between R&D and manufacturing.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve developing or optimizing HPLC methods for RNA vaccine characterization, analyzing LC-MS data to identify impurities or degradation products, documenting experiments in compliance with quality systems, and collaborating with formulation and process development teams to provide analytical support for iterative design improvements. You'd work in their RNA Foundry facility, balancing method development with routine analysis to support rapid pipeline advancement.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience with HPLC method development, validation, and troubleshooting for biopharmaceuticals, particularly nucleic acids or vaccines
  • Possesses practical LC-MS experience for characterization of biomolecules (ideally RNA or related analytes)
  • Understands GMP/GLP requirements and has worked in a regulated analytical laboratory environment
  • Is comfortable with data-driven approaches and can thrive in a fast-paced, iterative research setting that values 'relentless empiricism'

📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax

1

Explicitly quantify your HPLC and LC-MS experience in years and types of molecules analyzed (e.g., '3 years HPLC method development for oligonucleotides')

2

Highlight any experience with RNA, vaccines, or immunotherapies in your resume, as this aligns directly with PopVax's focus

3

Mention specific analytical techniques relevant to RNA characterization (e.g., ion-pair HPLC, size exclusion, mass spec for RNA integrity)

4

Demonstrate understanding of PopVax's integrated model by describing experiences where you worked closely with process development or manufacturing teams

5

Reference their 'Million Lives Mission' and explain how your analytical skills can contribute to this goal

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience with HPLC/LC-MS for biomolecule characterization, specifically mentioning RNA or vaccine-related analytes if applicable', 'How your analytical work has contributed to advancing therapeutic candidates toward clinical trials', 'Your ability to work in fast-paced, iterative environments and adapt methods based on empirical data', "Why PopVax's full-stack, mission-driven approach to biotech appeals to you personally and professionally"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PopVax's specific pipeline programs (HCV, Strep A, TB vaccines, COVID-19, influenza, HPV vaccines, and cancer immunotherapies)
  • → Their RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad and what 'GMP-capable clinical dose production' entails
  • → Their funding partners (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA) and what this means for their research priorities
  • → Their published research or presentations on RNA vaccine design and characterization

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Detailed technical questions about HPLC method development challenges for RNA-based molecules
2 Scenario-based questions on troubleshooting LC-MS data for complex biological samples
3 How you ensure data quality and compliance in a GMP-capable facility like the RNA Foundry
4 Your experience with analytical method transfer to manufacturing or QC teams
5 Questions about working in cross-functional teams and contributing to rapid iteration cycles
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting only generic HPLC experience without highlighting biomolecule or regulated environment experience
  • Not demonstrating awareness of PopVax's specific focus on RNA medicines and vaccines
  • Failing to show how your analytical work connects to broader drug development goals and timelines

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to PopVax!

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