Application Guide
How to Apply for Principal Scientist - Computational Protein Design
at PopVax
🏢 About PopVax
PopVax is a unique full-stack biotech that designs, develops, and manufactures its own RNA medicines end-to-end, emphasizing tight feedback loops between computational design and experimental validation. The company's ambitious 'Million Lives Mission' to save 1 million lives annually through novel vaccines and cancer immunotherapies, backed by prestigious funders like the Gates Foundation and BARDA, makes it an exciting opportunity for mission-driven scientists.
About This Role
As Principal Scientist - Computational Protein Design, you'll lead machine learning-driven protein design for RNA-based vaccines and immunotherapies against targets like Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, and solid tumors. This role is impactful because you'll directly contribute to PopVax's end-to-end pipeline, from computational design through clinical development, with your work potentially entering Phase I trials by mid-2026.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves developing ML models for protein design, analyzing structural data for vaccine targets like HCV or Strep A, collaborating with experimental teams at the RNA Foundry to validate designs, and contributing to design iterations based on wet lab results. You'll work on advancing specific programs toward clinical development while exploring novel computational approaches for PopVax's ambitious pipeline.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For
- Expert in computational protein design with experience applying ML/AI methods (like AlphaFold, Rosetta, or custom models) to therapeutic protein engineering
- Strong background in structural bioinformatics, molecular modeling, and biophysical property prediction for vaccine/antibody design
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams that bridge computational design with experimental validation in wet labs
- Knowledge of immunology, virology, or oncology relevant to PopVax's focus areas (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, HPV, solid tumors)
📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax
Highlight specific experience with RNA-based therapeutics or vaccines, as PopVax manufactures its own RNA medicines end-to-end
Demonstrate how your computational protein design work has moved from in silico predictions to experimental validation in previous roles
Show alignment with PopVax's 'relentless empiricism' philosophy by providing examples of iterative design-test-learn cycles in your work
Reference PopVax's specific disease targets (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, HPV, liver/pancreatic cancer) in your application materials
Emphasize experience with GMP or clinical development pipelines, as PopVax has GMP-capable facilities and plans Phase I trials in 2026
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with machine learning-driven protein design specifically for therapeutic applications', 'Examples of successful computational designs that progressed to experimental validation or development', "Alignment with PopVax's full-stack approach and 'Million Lives Mission'", 'How your skills would contribute to their specific vaccine programs (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, HPV) or cancer immunotherapies']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → PopVax's RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad and their integrated R&D/GMP approach
- → Their specific vaccine programs (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, HPV) and cancer immunotherapy targets
- → Their funders (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA, Renaissance Philanthropy) and what this funding enables
- → Their 'Million Lives Mission' and how computational design contributes to this goal
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on computational methods without demonstrating experience connecting designs to experimental validation
- Generic protein design experience without therapeutic/vaccine applications
- Not showing awareness of PopVax's specific disease targets or RNA medicine 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!