Position Title: Scientist / Senior Scientist – Vaccine Formulation and Characterization
Location: Baird Research Park, 1576 Sweet Home Road, Buffalo, NY 14228
Company Overview:
POP Biotechnologies, Inc. (POP BIO) is a biotechnology company developing novel vaccine and drug delivery technologies based on its proprietary cobalt-porphyrin–phospholipid (CoPoP) liposome platform. POP BIO’s technology enables highly immunogenic particulate vaccine formulations and is currently advancing multiple vaccine candidates into clinical development in collaboration with international partners and public health agencies.
Position Summary:
POP BIO seeks to hire one or more motivated scientists to support the production, characterization, and analytical development of vaccine materials, including recombinant proteins, lipids, and liposomal formulations.
The ideal candidate will have experience with one or more of the following: biophysical and biochemical characterization techniques, vaccine immunoassays, and formulation development. This position offers opportunities to contribute to translational research, manufacturing process optimization, grant preparation, and technology commercialization.
We are looking for candidates with expertise in one or more of these areas:
Protein and Antigen Production
Express, purify, and characterize recombinant proteins and peptides
Conduct analytical characterization, including SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and chromatography (SEC, HIC, IEX).
Perform quantitative and qualitative assays to assess protein purity, yield, and conformation.
Analytical Assay Development
Develop, optimize, and perform immunoassays, including:
ELISA for quantitation of concentrations in vaccine formulations.
Slot blot for assessing antigen conformation and epitope integrity.
Establish assay validation parameters (specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness) in accordance with internal standards.
Maintain detailed assay SOPs and training materials.
Lipid and Liposome Characterization
Support the synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of functionalized lipids, including cobalt-porphyrin–phospholipids (CoPoPs) and related lipid conjugates.
Conduct physicochemical analyses of lipids and formulations using UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, LC-MS, and elemental analysis.
Manufacture and characterize liposomes, including particle sizing (DLS), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and stability under various storage conditions.
Develop and document standardized liposome production procedures for scale-up and reproducibility.
Vaccine Formulation Development
Prepare and optimize vaccine formulations incorporating HA and NA antigens into CoPoP liposomes or other delivery systems.
Evaluate antigen–liposome binding, particle morphology (TEM), and stability.
Collaborate with internal and external teams to support process development for GMP-ready formulations.
Commercialization and Grant Development
Assist in the preparation of grant applications, reports, and technical documents for NIH, CEPI, and other funding agencies.
Participate in meetings with collaborators, funding agencies, and potential commercial partners.
Contribute to technical writing, data presentation, and preparation of manuscripts, posters, and presentations.
Qualifications:
M.S. with ≥3 years of relevant experience preferred; at least B.S. for consideration.
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline would be a plus
Hands-on experience with protein purification, analytical biochemistry, and vaccine immunoassays.
Experience with liposome preparation, nanoparticle characterization, or lipid chemistry preferred.
Strong analytical and technical writing skills; ability to draft and edit experimental protocols and grant sections.
Excellent organization, attention to detail, and data management skills.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving research environment.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with mammalian or insect expression systems for recombinant protein production.
Familiarity with laboratory operations and immunological assay workflows.
Prior experience in technology transfer, regulatory documentation, or early-stage biotech development is a plus.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience. Includes salary, benefits, and potential for performance-based bonuses.
To Apply:
Submit a cover letter and CV to jrsmyth@pop.bio with the subject line “Scientist – Vaccine Formulation and Characterization.”
