Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Manager / Associate Program Manager

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. Their ambitious 'Million Lives Mission' to save 1 million lives annually through novel vaccines and cancer immunotherapies, combined with funding from prestigious organizations like the Gates Foundation and BARDA, makes them an exciting place for mission-driven professionals. Their integrated RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad enables rapid iteration through tight feedback loops between R&D and GMP production.

About This Role

This Program Manager/Associate Program Manager role at PopVax involves overseeing the development and execution of vaccine and immunotherapy programs from research through clinical trials. You'll coordinate cross-functional teams across machine learning design, pharmaceutical science, and manufacturing to ensure programs meet ambitious timelines toward the Million Lives Mission. The role is impactful because you'll directly contribute to bringing first-in-class vaccines against Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, and cancer immunotherapies from concept to clinical reality.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with machine learning teams on design iterations, reviewing experimental data from the RNA Foundry, and planning manufacturing scale-up for clinical trial materials. You'd likely spend time aligning cross-functional teams on program milestones while navigating the unique challenges of developing first-in-class RNA medicines against complex pathogens like Hepatitis C and TB.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For

  • Has 3-5 years of program/project management experience in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare, preferably with RNA therapeutics or vaccine development
  • Demonstrates understanding of clinical trial phases (especially Phase I mentioned for 2026) and regulatory pathways for biologics
  • Possesses strong cross-functional coordination skills to bridge ML/data science teams with wet lab scientists and manufacturing operations
  • Shows passion for PopVax's specific mission areas (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, influenza, HPV, liver/pancreatic cancer immunotherapies)

📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax

1

Highlight specific experience with RNA-based therapeutics or vaccines, as PopVax is an RNA medicine company

2

Demonstrate understanding of their 'tight feedback loops' philosophy by describing how you've managed iterative development processes

3

Quantify your impact on accelerating timelines in previous roles, as rapid iteration is core to their approach

4

Reference their specific pipeline programs (HCV, Strep A, TB vaccines) to show you've researched their work

5

Emphasize experience with cross-functional teams spanning computational design and wet lab/ manufacturing operations

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your alignment with the Million Lives Mission and specific interest in their pipeline programs', 'Experience managing programs that bridge computational/ML approaches with experimental biology', 'Examples of accelerating development timelines through effective program management', 'Understanding of RNA medicine development challenges and regulatory pathways']

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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 production
  • → Their funding partners (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA) and what each partnership might mean for program priorities
  • → Competitive landscape for their specific pipeline programs (HCV, Strep A, TB vaccines)
  • → Their leadership team's background and publications on RNA vaccine development

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you manage a program spanning ML-driven design, wet lab validation, and GMP manufacturing?
2 Describe your experience with clinical trial preparation, particularly for Phase I trials in biologics
3 How do you prioritize competing projects when working toward ambitious mission-driven goals?
4 What metrics would you track to ensure program success at PopVax?
5 How would you facilitate communication between computational scientists and bench scientists?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic program management experience without biotech/pharma context
  • Focusing only on computational or only on experimental aspects without bridging both
  • Not demonstrating knowledge of RNA therapeutics or vaccine development specifically

📅 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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