Global Clinical Immunology Scientist

IAVI•,

4d•Remote

About The Position

The Clinical Immunology Scientist supports the implementation and performance of immunological assays across IAVI-sponsored clinical trials and research programs. Working with Clinical Research Centers (CRCs), collaborating laboratories and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), the Scientist contributes to assay readiness, technology transfer, laboratory quality, training and data review activities that support reliable clinical trial data. The Scientist provides remote and on-site technical support, identifies assay performance issues, recommends practical solutions within established study and laboratory plans, and escalates significant scientific or quality risks to senior scientific leadership and Quality Assurance, as appropriate. The role supports preventive vaccine trials for emerging infectious diseases, including Lassa, Marburg and Ebola, as well as IAVI’s broader clinical trial and research portfolio. Working under general direction from senior scientific leadership, the Scientist applies advanced scientific and technical judgment to support assay implementation, performance monitoring, troubleshooting and data review.

Requirements

Master’s degree in immunology, biological sciences or a related field, with at least two years of relevant laboratory experience.
A minimum of two years of related post-PhD experience is required.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with relevant immunological techniques, including ELISpot, ELISA, PBMC isolation and cryopreservation, neutralization assays, multiplex assays or flow cytometry is required.
Experience supporting clinical research laboratory activities in accordance with GCLP requirements is required.
Experience contributing to the implementation, practical adaptation and documentation of immunological laboratory procedures for clinical research is required.
Experience supporting assay development, optimization, qualification, validation or technology transfer under established study or laboratory plans is required.
Experience reviewing assay performance, troubleshooting technical issues and recommending corrective actions in collaboration with laboratory teams is required.
Experience reviewing, interpreting and reporting research or clinical trial laboratory data is required.
Experience writing or reviewing SOPs, laboratory protocols or related technical documentation is required.
Demonstrated experience communicating technical information and delivering laboratory training or technical support is required.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple work priorities and meeting established deadlines is required.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with internal colleagues and external laboratory partners is required.
Ability to travel internationally to support collaborating laboratories is required. (approximately 10–15%).

Nice To Haves

A PhD in a related field is preferred but not required.
Experience supporting clinical trials or laboratory programs in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, particularly in Africa is desirable.
Experience providing technical support to CRO laboratories is desirable.
Experience using statistical analysis tools, including R, is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific and technical support to CRCs, collaborating laboratories and CROs conducting immunological assays for IAVI clinical trials and research programs, with a particular focus on laboratories in Africa.
Support defined assay lifecycle activities, including feasibility and laboratory readiness assessments, assay development and optimization, qualification and validation activities, technology transfer and implementation across collaborating laboratories.
Provide remote and on-site technical support and training during assay transfer, implementation and performance monitoring.
Apply hands-on technical proficiency in immunological techniques, including ELISpot, ELISA, PBMC isolation and cryopreservation, neutralization assays, multiplex assays and flow cytometry.
Review assay performance and laboratory data, identify technical or quality issues, support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, recommend corrective actions within defined procedures, and escalate issues requiring Quality Assurance or senior scientific leadership input.
Support laboratory quality activities, by working within applicable GCP/GCLP requirements, study protocols, SOPs, laboratory quality systems and continuous-improvement activities.
Support EQA program implementation, data analysis, reporting, troubleshooting and follow-up across participating laboratories.
Contribute scientific and technical input to study and program teams on assay feasibility, laboratory performance, technical risks and clinical trial delivery requirements.
Contribute technical observations and recommendations to support senior scientific decision-making.
Support laboratory operations required for clinical trial delivery, including equipment and reagent readiness, relevant documentation review, biosafety input, sample management and shipment coordination.
Contribute to the review, analysis, interpretation and reporting of laboratory data in support of clinical trials and research programs, working with program personnel and Operational Managers to meet study timelines and funder requirements.
Communicate laboratory performance, findings and technical issues through reports, presentations and discussions with study teams and collaborating laboratories, and contribute laboratory data and technical content to scientific reports, publications and conference communications.
Build effective working relationships with scientists and laboratory personnel across CRCs, collaborating laboratories and CROs to support timely resolution of technical issues.
Share technical observations, lessons learned and good laboratory practices across IAVI’s collaborating laboratory network.
Deliver technical training and support to laboratory personnel on established assay methods, procedures and good laboratory practices.