Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Scientist, Novel Lipid Design
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 design to manufacturing. Their 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 them an exciting place for scientists who want to see their work translate rapidly into clinical impact.
About This Role
This Senior Scientist role focuses on designing novel lipids for RNA delivery systems, specifically for vaccines and cancer immunotherapies. You'll be working at the intersection of chemistry and formulation science to create next-generation delivery vehicles that enable PopVax's RNA medicines to reach their targets effectively, directly contributing to their pipeline of first-in-class vaccines against Hepatitis C, Strep A, TB, and solid tumors.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve designing novel lipid structures using computational tools, planning synthesis routes with chemistry colleagues, analyzing data from formulation stability studies, and collaborating with biology teams to plan in vivo experiments for new lipid candidates. You'd be iterating rapidly between design, testing, and analysis to optimize delivery systems for PopVax's specific therapeutic targets.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who PopVax Is Looking For
- Has extensive experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) design, synthesis, and characterization specifically for RNA delivery applications
- Possesses deep knowledge of structure-activity relationships in lipid chemistry and how they affect biodistribution, cellular uptake, and endosomal escape
- Demonstrates experience with formulation optimization, stability testing, and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of delivery systems
- Shows familiarity with machine learning approaches in molecular design or is eager to work in an ML-driven research environment
📝 Tips for Applying to PopVax
Highlight specific examples of novel lipid designs you've developed for RNA delivery, including structural innovations and performance data
Demonstrate understanding of PopVax's specific disease targets (HCV, Strep A, TB, solid tumors) and how lipid design might differ for vaccines vs. cancer immunotherapies
Show how your work aligns with their 'tight feedback loops' philosophy by describing rapid iteration cycles in previous projects
Mention any experience with GMP considerations for lipid manufacturing, given their integrated R&D and GMP facility
Reference their funding sources (Balvi Fund, Gates Foundation, BARDA) to show you understand their unique position in the biotech landscape
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with novel lipid design for RNA therapeutics, not just general nanoparticle experience', 'How your approach aligns with their machine learning-driven design philosophy', 'Examples of rapid iteration and problem-solving in previous lipid development projects', 'Your understanding of the challenges in delivering RNA to different targets (infectious disease vs. cancer)']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → PopVax's specific vaccine and immunotherapy pipeline targets (HCV, Strep A, TB, COVID-19, influenza, HPV, liver/pancreatic cancer)
- → Their RNA Foundry facility in Hyderabad and what 'integrated R&D and GMP-capable' means for lipid development
- → Their unique funding model combining crypto philanthropy (Balvi Fund) with traditional biomedical funders
- → Publications or presentations by PopVax team members on RNA delivery or lipid design
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting generic nanoparticle experience without specific RNA/lipid design examples
- Not demonstrating understanding of the differences between vaccine and cancer immunotherapy delivery requirements
- Focusing only on academic achievements without showing how your work translates to therapeutic development
📅 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!