Research Associate I, Immunology

About Vaxart:

Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a range of oral recombinant vaccines based on its proprietary delivery platform. Vaxart vaccines are designed to be administered using pills that can be stored and shipped without refrigeration and eliminate the risk of needle-stick injury. Vaxart believes that its proprietary pill vaccine delivery platform is suitable to deliver recombinant vaccines, positioning the company to develop oral versions of currently marketed vaccines and to design recombinant vaccines for new indications. Vaxart's development programs currently include pill vaccines designed to protect against coronavirus, norovirus and influenza, as well as a therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), Vaxart's first immune-oncology indication. Vaxart has filed broad domestic and international patent applications covering its proprietary technology and creations for oral vaccination using adenovirus and TLR3 agonists.

We are looking for a Research Associate I, Immunology to join our South San Francisco team. This is an onsite position in our South San Francisco Office.

Summary:

The Research Associate 1 will play a critical role in supporting clinical trial sample analysis and sample management throughout the study lifecycle, from start-up through closeout. This position is responsible for running MSD assays to measure immune responses against multiple antigens.  Further this position is responsible for biosample receipt, inventory management, reconciliation, accessioning, and logistics while ensuring accurate sample tracking and data integrity. The Research Associate 1 partners closely with Clinical Analytics, Clinical Operations, Research, and external vendors to support the successful execution of clinical studies.

Responsibilities:

• Run MSD assays with outstanding precision and accuracy. 
• Receive, process, and track clinical trial biosamples in accordance with study protocols and Vaxart SOPs.
• Maintain accurate sample reconciliation and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Review sample manifests and shipping documentation, investigate discrepancies, and coordinate resolution with internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform timely accessioning of biosamples into Freezerworks, Vaxart's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Conduct quality control reviews of sample and associated metadata to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
• Support biosample logistics activities, including shipment planning, tracking and coordination with external vendors
• Fulfill internal biosample requests and coordinate rapid sample retrieval for Clinical Analytics laboratory testing to meet study timelines.
• Collaborate with Research, Clinical Operations, laboratories, CROs, and external partners to ensure efficient biosample management.

Requirements:

• Must have a BS/BA in life sciences or health care training
• 1+ years of experience in a laboratory setting or related environment
• Must be willing safely handle, process, and store human biosamples in compliance with study protocols, SOPs, and bloodborne pathogen regulations
• Experience in running MSD assays
• Experience creating forms and tracking spreadsheets
• Experience with electronic data capture, a plus
• Must be local to South San Francisco, CA area

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Effective communication skills (listening, oral, written)
• Organized and proficient at multi-tasking with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to effectively use applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.
• Effective organizational and time management skills

In accordance with California's Pay Transparency law, Vaxart's base salary range for this position is approximately $77,000 - $85,000 USD per hour or annually. The actual salary for this role will vary based on a variety of factors including education, job-related knowledge, and experience. This range does not include equity, benefits, bonuses, or other non-monetary compensation which may be included.

Vaxart offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package, including robust health plan options, bonus program, stock options, 401(k) with employer matching, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and work-life balance.

Vaxart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Equal opportunity and consideration are afforded to all qualified applicants and employees in personnel actions, which include recruiting and hiring, selection for training, promotion, rates of pay or other compensation, transfer, discipline, demotion, and layoff or termination. Vaxart provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, family medical history or genetic information, citizenship, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

NOTICE TO RECRUITERS AND STAFFING AGENCIES: Vaxart, Inc. has an internal recruiting department. Vaxart may supplement that internal capability from time to time with assistance from temporary staffing agencies, placement services, and professional recruiters ('Agency'). Agencies are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Vaxart employees directly to present candidates. Vaxart's recruiting team or other authorized Vaxart personnel must present ALL candidates to hiring managers.

To protect the interests of all parties, Vaxart will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Vaxart, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Vaxart mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Vaxart employees, or to Vaxart's resume database will be considered Vaxart property. Vaxart will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Vaxart will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.

The Agency must obtain advance written approval from Vaxart's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Vaxart will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place.

Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by an officer of Vaxart or their designee. No other Vaxart employee is authorized to bind Vaxart to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies. Vaxart hereby specifically rejects, and denies any liability under, any agreement purporting to be accepted based on negative consent, negotiation with a candidate, performance, or any means other than the signature of a Vaxart officer.