Application Guide

How to Apply for Junior Scientist/Scientist - Toxicology & ADME

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. What sets them apart is their 'Million Lives Mission' to develop novel vaccines and immunotherapies, their tight feedback loops between design and production at their RNA Foundry facility, and their prestigious funding from organizations like the Gates Foundation and BARDA. Someone might want to work there to be part of a mission-driven team using cutting-edge technology to tackle major global health challenges.

About This Role

This Toxicology & ADME Scientist role involves conducting preclinical safety assessments for RNA-based vaccines and cancer immunotherapies, specifically focusing on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies. The role is impactful because it directly contributes to ensuring the safety of PopVax's first-in-class vaccine programs, including their Hepatitis C, Strep A, and TB vaccines scheduled for Phase I trials in 2026. You'll be working at their integrated RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad, supporting the transition from research to clinical development.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve designing and monitoring toxicology studies for their RNA vaccine candidates, analyzing ADME data to inform dosing strategies, preparing documentation for regulatory submissions, and collaborating with their machine learning team to optimize study designs. You'd likely work closely with colleagues at their RNA Foundry facility, where you can see the direct connection between your safety assessments and the manufacturing process.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For

  • Has 2-5 years of hands-on experience in preclinical toxicology studies, specifically with biologics or RNA-based therapeutics (not just small molecules)
  • Possesses practical knowledge of ADME principles as applied to vaccine or immunotherapy development
  • Demonstrates experience with GLP-compliant study design and documentation for regulatory submissions
  • Shows enthusiasm for PopVax's specific mission areas (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, influenza, HPV vaccines, or solid tumor immunotherapies)

📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax

1

Highlight any experience with RNA therapeutics or vaccines specifically, not just general toxicology experience

2

Mention familiarity with GMP/GLP environments, as PopVax emphasizes their integrated R&D and manufacturing facility

3

Demonstrate understanding of their 'tight feedback loops' philosophy by describing how you've collaborated across functions in previous roles

4

Reference their specific pipeline programs (HCV, Strep A, TB vaccines) in your application materials

5

Show how your work aligns with their 'Million Lives Mission' - quantify potential impact of your previous projects

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with preclinical safety assessment of biologics or RNA-based medicines', "How your approach aligns with PopVax's 'relentless empiricism' and data-driven development philosophy", 'Your understanding of the regulatory pathway for vaccines (especially given their 2026 Phase I timeline)', "Why you're personally motivated by their specific mission areas and the Million Lives goal"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Their RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad and how it integrates R&D with GMP manufacturing
  • → Their specific pipeline programs mentioned (HCV, Strep A, TB vaccines, COVID-19, influenza, HPV vaccines, liver/pancreatic cancer immunotherapies)
  • → Their funding partners (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA, Renaissance Philanthropy) and what each focuses on
  • → Their published research or presentations on machine learning in vaccine design

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a toxicology study for an RNA-based vaccine targeting Hepatitis C?
2 Describe your experience with ADME studies for large molecules or biologics
3 How do you ensure data quality and compliance in preclinical studies for regulatory submissions?
4 What do you think are the unique toxicology challenges for RNA medicines versus traditional vaccines?
5 How would you collaborate with their machine learning team to improve study design or data analysis?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only small molecule drug experience without addressing how you'd adapt to RNA therapeutics
  • Generic applications that don't mention PopVax's specific mission or technology approach
  • Focusing only on technical skills without showing alignment with their mission-driven culture

📅 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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