Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Clinical Laboratory Operations

at International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)

🏢 About International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)

IAVI is a unique nonprofit dedicated exclusively to developing vaccines and antibodies to prevent HIV/AIDS, operating with a mission-driven focus rather than profit motives. Working here means contributing directly to global public health solutions for a disease affecting millions worldwide, with opportunities to collaborate across international research networks.

About This Role

This role involves managing clinical laboratory operations for HIV vaccine trials, ensuring all processes meet strict regulatory standards while maintaining data integrity. You'll oversee laboratory staff and coordinate with clinical teams to support critical research that could lead to breakthrough HIV prevention methods.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing laboratory data from overnight processing at trial sites, then join a virtual meeting with clinical teams in different time zones to coordinate sample collection schedules. The afternoon could involve updating quality control documentation and troubleshooting a laboratory protocol issue with a site in Africa, all while ensuring regulatory compliance across all processes.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years experience managing clinical laboratory operations specifically for vaccine or pharmaceutical trials
  • Demonstrates expertise in GLP/GCP compliance and regulatory requirements for clinical laboratories
  • Possesses strong leadership skills with experience managing laboratory staff in a clinical research setting
  • Has background in virology, immunology, or infectious disease research, preferably with HIV experience

📝 Tips for Applying to International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)

1

Highlight specific experience with HIV or infectious disease laboratory operations, not just general lab management

2

Quantify your impact on previous vaccine trials (e.g., 'managed lab operations for 3 Phase II vaccine trials')

3

Demonstrate knowledge of IAVI's specific vaccine candidates by mentioning them in your application

4

Emphasize experience with remote coordination of laboratory teams, given the remote nature of this position

5

Show how you've maintained quality control in decentralized or multi-site clinical trial laboratories

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience managing laboratories for vaccine trials, especially in infectious diseases', 'Specific examples of ensuring regulatory compliance in clinical laboratory settings', "How you've coordinated between laboratory and clinical teams in previous roles", 'Your motivation to contribute to HIV prevention specifically, not just general medical research']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → IAVI's current vaccine candidates in clinical trials (like the mosaic HIV vaccine)
  • → IAVI's partnerships with research institutions in Africa and other high-HIV-prevalence regions
  • → Recent publications from IAVI's laboratory and clinical research teams
  • → Regulatory challenges specific to HIV vaccine development and approval pathways

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure quality control in a remote laboratory management role?
2 Describe your experience with regulatory inspections of clinical laboratories
3 How have you handled discrepancies in laboratory data during previous trials?
4 What strategies would you use to coordinate between laboratory staff and clinical teams across different time zones?
5 How do you stay current with evolving regulatory requirements for HIV vaccine trials?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only academic laboratory experience without clinical trial context
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of HIV or vaccine research
  • Not addressing how you would manage remote operations and coordination
  • Generic applications that don't reference IAVI's specific mission or research focus

📅 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 International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)!

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