Application Guide
How to Apply for Principal Scientist, T-cell immunology
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, operating their own RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad. The company stands out for its ambitious 'Million Lives Mission' and is backed by prestigious funders including the Gates Foundation and Vitalik Buterin's Balvi Fund. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking vaccines and cancer immunotherapies while being part of rapid iteration cycles in pharmaceutical science.
About This Role
As Principal Scientist in T-cell immunology, you'll lead research and development of precision immunotherapies targeting hard-to-treat solid tumors like liver and pancreatic cancer. This role involves designing and implementing T-cell focused immunotherapy strategies using PopVax's integrated RNA platform, directly contributing to their cancer immunotherapy pipeline. Your work will bridge computational design with empirical validation in their Hyderabad-based RNA Foundry facility.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves leading team meetings to review experimental data from T-cell immunotherapy studies, collaborating with computational teams on machine learning-driven design iterations, and overseeing experiments at the RNA Foundry facility. You'll spend time analyzing T-cell response data, designing new immunotherapy constructs, and preparing research updates for cross-functional teams working on PopVax's cancer immunotherapy pipeline.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For
- PhD in immunology, cancer biology, or related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral experience specifically in T-cell immunology and cancer immunotherapy
- Proven track record in designing and developing T-cell based immunotherapies, with publications or patents in relevant areas
- Experience with RNA-based therapeutic platforms and familiarity with computational approaches in immunology
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing research teams in fast-paced biotech environments
📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax
Highlight specific experience with T-cell immunology in solid tumor contexts, particularly liver or pancreatic cancer
Demonstrate understanding of RNA-based therapeutic platforms and how they intersect with T-cell immunotherapy
Reference PopVax's specific approach of 'machine learning-driven design and relentless empiricism' in your application materials
Connect your experience to their 'Million Lives Mission' and mention specific vaccine/therapeutic programs you find compelling
Show familiarity with their Hyderabad RNA Foundry facility and how your skills would contribute to their integrated R&D/GMP environment
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific expertise in T-cell immunology as it relates to solid tumor immunotherapy development', "Experience with RNA-based therapeutic platforms and how you've integrated computational and empirical approaches", "Alignment with PopVax's mission-driven culture and the 'Million Lives Mission'", 'Examples of leading research teams in fast-paced, iterative biotech environments']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → PopVax's specific cancer immunotherapy pipeline targets (liver cancer, pancreatic cancer) and their approach
- → Details about their RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad and their integrated R&D/GMP model
- → Their funding partners (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA) and how this shapes their research priorities
- → Their 'Million Lives Mission' and how different programs contribute to this goal
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't specifically address T-cell immunology in cancer contexts
- Focusing only on academic achievements without demonstrating translational research experience
- Lack of understanding about RNA-based therapeutic platforms or PopVax's integrated development 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!