Research Associate Ii

As an organization whose mission is to translate science into global public health impact, working on vaccines and therapeutics, IAVI has a vaccine policy which states that subject to applicable law, we require all U.S. and Puerto Rico based employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption or accommodation. We are committed to supporting our employees during this process as we work to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Position Description

Title:                   Research Associate II; HIV Antibody Discovery & Vaccine Responses
Location:            Neutralizing Antibody Center (NAC), Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
Reports to:         Principal Scientist, Vaccine R&D

Job Summary:

IAVI’s Neutralizing Antibody Center (IAVI-NAC) based at Scripps Research is seeking an ambitious Research Associate II who is eager to help translate science into global health impact! The Research Associate II supports a team focused on the discovery and characterization of neutralizing antibodies and humoral responses to HIV infection and immunization. Under the supervision of the Principal Scientist, the RAII works closely with a small team assessing B cell responses to HIV vaccine candidates in animal models. The RAII assists in preparing primary cell samples for flow cytometry, sequencing libraries, and performs antibody characterization assays such as ELISA and neutralization assays. The RAII also supports broader lab functions such as the preparation of common and/or batch lab reagents, such as buffers, virus, antibody, and antigens. This RAII dedicates at least 3 days of the week to B cell sorting and sequencing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Flow cytometer operation with emphasis on live cell sorting
• Next-generation sequencing library preparation
• Participate in assay development in the research areas of HIV and emerging infectious diseases with a focus on antibody discovery and characterization
• Functional screening assays (neutralization, polyreactivity, ELISA, etc.)
• Interpret data, make decisions, and troubleshoot technical issues
• Participate in the preparation of data summary packages
• Project management of weekly technical activities and communication of progress
• Management and mentorship of junior staff
• Other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Principal Scientist

Education and Work Experience:

• A BS in Cell Biology or related field is required.
• A BS with minimum two years, or Advanced degree, and minimum 1 year laboratory research work experience in molecular biology (e.g., bacterial transformation, RNA/DNA purification, PCR, ELISAs, etc.), biochemistry (e.g., protein expression and purification, FPLC, immunoprecipitation) is required. School laboratory course work is not considered as research experience.
• Experience working with mammalian cell lines and/or primary cells is required.
• Research experience in Cellular Biology and Virology (e.g., flow cytometry, virus production) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience working in BSL2 conditions with potentially infectious samples is highly desirable.

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Experience working in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment is required.
• Experience prioritizing and organizing a daily workload is required.
• Experience working independently as well as collaboratively as a team member is required.
• Experience troubleshooting and addressing technical hurdles is required.
• Experience effectively organizing data is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills is required.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite, especially Excel, is required.
• Strong work ethic with emphasis on accountability and interpersonal skills is highly desirable.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse colleagues is highly desirable.

Organizational Overview:

IAVI is a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to addressing urgent, unmet global health challenges including HIV and tuberculosis. Our mission is to translate scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. Through scientific and clinical research in Africa, India, Europe, and the U.S., IAVI is pioneering the development of biomedical innovations designed for broad global access. We develop vaccines and antibodies in and for the developing world and seek to accelerate their introduction in low-income countries. IAVI programs and partnerships are grounded in the regions of the world where the disease burden is the greatest, and our approach emphasizes sustainability. Our network of clinical research center partners in Africa and India helps strengthen in-country research capacity and supports the training and education of the next generation of scientists. The global impact of our science includes fundamental contributions to understanding the biology of HIV infection, which IAVI and others are applying toward advancing vaccine science and immunology. IAVI accelerates scientific discovery and development by fostering unique collaborations among academia, industry, local communities, governments, and funders to explore new and better ways to address public health threats that disproportionately affect people living in poverty. Our global reach, including a clinical research network in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in India, has allowed us to make fundamental contributions to understanding the epidemiology, transmission, virology, and immunology of HIV. This work played a key role in facilitating the design of promising HIV vaccine candidates, as well as the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that are now being advanced as promising approaches for HIV prevention. Our integrated capabilities in vaccine and antibody discovery, development, and clinical research take advantage of bio-pharmaceutical industry expertise to accelerate the development and testing of prevention methods for HIV and other diseases. Through the Product Development Center, we support external researchers with technical and scientific expertise to accelerate the development of their own products. 

About the NAC:

IAVI’s Neutralizing Antibody Center (NAC) was established in 2002 at Scripps Research in La Jolla, CA, and today, is a leading source of innovation in the study of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and the design of immunogens to elicit these antibodies through vaccination. The NAC brings together leading investigators — including structural and computational biologists, immunologists, protein chemists, and glycobiologists — from institutions worldwide.

IAVI CORE VALUES:

• Dedication to the Mission: We are committed to the translation of scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. 
• Innovative Evolution: We are committed to solving complex problems in creative and innovative ways, learning from our mistakes and successes and never giving up 
• Integrity: We are committed to meeting the highest ethical and professional standards in everything we do and to taking responsibility for our actions to earn respect 
• Collaboration: We are committed to embracing diversity, the power of global teamwork and the belief that by working as one we can make a difference

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. IAVI is an equal opportunity employer and applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. 

IAVI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER actively committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive global organization. IAVI believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a representative candidate pool. At IAVI, we celebrate the spectrum of colleagues’ experiences and believe that dedication to our mission above all is essential to our success as a scientific global non-profit. IAVI upholds these principles through IAVI’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee.   

IAVI has zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, caste, national origin, home language, ancestry, religion, marital or civil partnership status, age, physical or mental disability, HIV status and any other medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status, in addition to any other status protected under the law in any of our locations worldwide.

Compensation and Benefits Information for US-Based Candidates:  

The annual base salary for this position is targeted at $55,000.00 - 67,500.00, with some variation based on experience level. In addition, this position offers competitive benefits such as annual bonus, generous retirement savings plan, three health insurance plans to choose from, and other benefits.