Laboratory Technician - Vaccine Development

Genvax Technologies•Ames, IA

1d•$50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician supports vaccine development and optimization, primarily through RNA antigen manufacturing, downstream lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, and testing for quality, sterility, reproducibility, and safety. The role contributes to advancing vaccine candidates from research through regulatory approval, scale-up, and regulated manufacturing. The successful candidate adapts to changing priorities, troubleshoots scientific, mechanical, and engineering challenges, makes timely data-informed decisions, and is willing to take on responsibilities beyond those listed. The position involves aseptic laboratory work, RNA and DNA research, vaccine formulation and manufacturing, quality and compliance activities, and the use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). The technician records and analyzes experimental data, maintains accurate documentation, and supports regulatory documentation and technology transfer. The role follows USDA-CVB-approved manufacturing and laboratory quality procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, and biosafety guidelines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field.
1–3 years of hands-on experience in aseptic technique, molecular biology, chemistry, and vaccine formulation or manufacturing.
Experience with sterile handling of biological materials and working in BSL-2 environments.
Knowledge of vaccine formulation principles, including adjuvants and stabilizers.
Experience with or willingness to learn LIMS and ELN systems.
Hands-on aptitude with laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including troubleshooting and basic repairs or mechanical fixes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software systems, including LIMS and ELN.

Nice To Haves

Experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or viral vector vaccine formulation.
Hands-on experience with downstream processing techniques such as ultrafiltration, chromatography, and lyophilization.
Proficiency in RNA and DNA extraction, qPCR, and molecular cloning.
Knowledge of immunological assays such as ELISA and flow cytometry.
Prior experience in industry or a regulated laboratory environment.
Experience leveraging tools for efficient data analysis or laboratory automation to streamline workflows.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements for vaccine development.

Responsibilities

Perform cell culture, bacterial culture, and molecular biology techniques under aseptic conditions.
Prepare and maintain sterile media, buffers, and reagents.
Conduct microbial and sterility testing to ensure contamination-free processes.
Extract, purify, and analyze RNA and DNA for vaccine applications.
Develop and optimize nucleic acid-based formulations for vaccine candidates.
Assist in formulation development for nucleic acid vaccines.
Support scale-up and process development for vaccine manufacturing.
Characterize vaccine stability, potency, and immunogenicity using validated assays or by designing novel assessment methods.
Record, manage, and analyze experimental data using LIMS and ELN.
Maintain accurate documentation of sample tracking, workflows, and quality control.
Assist in integrating LIMS and ELN into laboratory workflows and adapt to new platforms as required.
Follow USDA-CVB-approved manufacturing and laboratory quality procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, and biosafety guidelines.
Maintain detailed laboratory records, protocols, and reports.
Support regulatory documentation and technology transfer activities.
Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and perform basic repairs or mechanical fixes as needed.