Application Guide

How to Apply for Machine Learning Scientist

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 computational design to GMP manufacturing. What sets them apart is their 'Million Lives Mission' to develop vaccines and immunotherapies that could save 1 million lives annually, backed by prestigious funders like the Gates Foundation and BARDA. Their tight feedback loop between computational design and experimental validation at their Hyderabad RNA Foundry creates an environment where pharmaceutical science can iterate rapidly.

About This Role

As a Machine Learning Scientist in Computational Biology at PopVax, you'll develop and apply ML models to design novel vaccines and cancer immunotherapies, specifically working on RNA medicines for diseases like Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, and solid tumors. This role directly impacts their mission to save lives by creating first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics through computational approaches that inform experimental design at their integrated R&D facility.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves developing ML models to predict antigen-immune system interactions for vaccine candidates, analyzing experimental data from the RNA Foundry to refine computational predictions, collaborating with experimental biologists to design new RNA constructs, and contributing to their pipeline targeting diseases like Hepatitis C, TB, or solid tumors. You'd work in rapid iteration cycles where computational insights directly inform next-day experimental designs.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For

  • Strong background in machine learning applied to biological problems, particularly in vaccine design, immunoinformatics, or RNA therapeutics
  • Experience with computational biology tools and biological data analysis (genomics, proteomics, immunology datasets)
  • Ability to work in tight feedback loops between computational predictions and experimental validation in a biotech setting
  • Passion for PopVax's mission to develop life-saving vaccines and immunotherapies, with understanding of their specific disease targets

📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax

1

Highlight specific ML projects related to vaccine design, immunology, or RNA therapeutics in your resume

2

Demonstrate understanding of PopVax's specific disease targets (Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, HPV, liver/pancreatic cancer) in your application

3

Show experience with rapid iteration between computational models and experimental validation

4

Reference their RNA Foundry and how your skills would contribute to their end-to-end development approach

5

Connect your experience to their 'Million Lives Mission' and mention their funders (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA) to show you've researched them deeply

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with ML in computational biology/immunology and how it applies to RNA vaccine design', 'Specific examples of working in iterative feedback loops between computational predictions and experimental validation', "Understanding of PopVax's unique full-stack approach and how you'd contribute to their RNA medicine pipeline", "Passion for their specific disease targets and the 'Million Lives Mission'"]

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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 vaccine programs (Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, HPV) and immunotherapy targets (liver/pancreatic cancer)
  • → Their funders' priorities (Balvi Fund's crypto/philanthropy focus, Gates Foundation's global health goals, BARDA's pandemic preparedness)
  • → Their clinical trial timeline and NIH partnership for their first vaccine program

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design ML models for predicting immunogenicity of RNA vaccine candidates?
2 Describe your experience with biological data relevant to PopVax's disease targets (viral sequences, tumor antigens, immune response data)
3 How have you previously worked in iterative cycles between computational predictions and experimental validation?
4 What computational approaches would you use for designing broadly-protective vaccines against rapidly mutating viruses like COVID-19 or influenza?
5 How would you contribute to PopVax's goal of moving their first vaccine program to Phase I clinical trials by mid-2026?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic ML experience without biological/medical applications relevant to vaccine or immunotherapy design
  • Not understanding the difference between traditional drug development and PopVax's RNA medicine approach
  • Failing to connect your skills to their specific disease targets or 'Million Lives Mission'

📅 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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