Application Guide

How to Apply for Junior Scientist/Scientist - Protein & RNA Design

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 and manufacturing. Their ambitious 'Million Lives Mission' to save 1 million lives annually through novel vaccines and cancer immunotherapies, combined with backing from prestigious funders like the Gates Foundation and BARDA, makes this an opportunity to work on high-impact science with real-world applications.

About This Role

This Junior Scientist/Scientist role focuses on computational protein and RNA design for vaccine and immunotherapy development, specifically using machine learning approaches to create first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics. You'll be working in tight feedback loops between computational design and experimental validation at their RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad, directly contributing to programs targeting Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, influenza, HPV, and solid tumors.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve using computational tools to design novel protein or RNA constructs for vaccine candidates, analyzing structural predictions, collaborating with experimental teams at the RNA Foundry to plan validation experiments, and iterating designs based on experimental feedback. You'd be working on specific disease targets while contributing to the broader goal of developing life-saving therapeutics.

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🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For

  • Has strong computational biology skills with specific experience in protein structure prediction, RNA design, or related computational methods
  • Demonstrates experience with machine learning applications in biological design (not just analysis)
  • Shows understanding of vaccine or immunotherapy development pipelines
  • Possesses the ability to work in iterative cycles between computational design and experimental validation

📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax

1

Explicitly mention experience with protein/RNA design tools (like AlphaFold, Rosetta, or similar) in your resume

2

Highlight any projects where you've applied machine learning to biological design problems, not just data analysis

3

Reference PopVax's specific disease targets (Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, etc.) in your application materials to show you've done your homework

4

Emphasize experience working in iterative research cycles or feedback loops between computation and experimentation

5

If you have experience with RNA therapeutics or vaccine development, make this prominent in your application

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with computational protein/RNA design tools and methodologies', "How your background aligns with PopVax's 'tight feedback loops' philosophy between computational design and experimental validation", 'Your understanding of their disease targets and how your skills could contribute to specific programs', "Why you're drawn to their full-stack approach and Million Lives Mission specifically"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study PopVax's specific disease targets and current vaccine/therapeutic approaches for Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, etc.
  • → Research their RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad and understand their integrated R&D/manufacturing approach
  • → Look into their funders (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA) and the types of projects they typically support
  • → Understand the difference between 'first-in-class' and 'best-in-class' vaccine development strategies

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk through a specific protein or RNA design project you've worked on, including tools used and validation approaches
2 How would you approach designing a novel vaccine candidate for one of PopVax's target diseases?
3 Describe your experience with machine learning applications in biological design (not just analysis)
4 How do you handle iterative design cycles when computational predictions don't match experimental results?
5 What excites you about working in a full-stack biotech environment versus a traditional pharmaceutical company?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only general bioinformatics or data science experience without specific protein/RNA design background
  • Not understanding the difference between computational analysis and computational design in biotech contexts
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of PopVax's specific programs or their integrated full-stack approach

📅 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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