Principal Virologist - Laboratory Project Management

hVIVO; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in human challenge clinical trials is seeking a Principal Scientist specializing in Immunology or Virology. This role involves providing consultative advice, managing study functions, and leading scientific development within the lab. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and expert knowledge in virology or immunology, alongside strong communication and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge in Virology or Immunology related to hVIVO’s Viral Challenge Model.
• Experience in project management and providing technical support.
• Ability to supervise and mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Provide full Study Management functions including compliance and client communication.
• Maintain expert knowledge in virology and oversee study initiation.
• Participate in client meetings as a virology expert.

Skills

Communication

Planning

Organizational Skills

Technical Support

Education

First Degree in relevant scientific subject

PhD in relevant scientific subject

Master’s Degree (desirable)

Job description

hVIVO are seeking a Principal Scientist (Immunology or Virology) to act as our SME, providing consultative advice across multiple projects and throughout the business.

hVIVO conducts human challenge clinical trials. The end goal of our clinical trials is to potentially eradicate common illnesses like the cold and flu completely - or at least make their treatment as easy and effective as possible. Volunteers are central to our work. Our studies focus on testing new treatments on real people, in a safe, controlled, clinical environment.

The Principal Scientist will take a lead role in the scientific development of all lab operational staff. Working with line managers, they will develop training plans and materials and deliver study lead/study management training programs.

This is a client-facing role, involving detailed scientific discussions to support clients in setting up their projects. This includes a detailed technical understanding of all lab assays and processes, as well as a thorough understanding of the fields of virology or immunology.

Additionally, this role is responsible for analyzing and reporting scientific and strategic risks and options, and making recommendations to senior management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide full Study Management functions, including:

• Input into clinical protocols and compilation of the Analytical Plan
• Ensuring compliance of each study assigned
• Managing study risks, timelines, budgets, deliverables, and client communication
• Coordinating data analysis and study closeout
• Study Lead Training
• Information for virus dossiers (preclinical)

Maintain expert knowledge in virology, including all current hVIVO assays and developments in assay technologies in the wider scientific community.

Possess an expert understanding of viral infection mechanisms, antiviral drugs, vaccines, and clinical manifestations of disease.

Have expert knowledge of the Viral Challenge Model and clinical study design to advise on scientific aspects for clients and internal stakeholders.

Provide technical advice on clinical study design, aligned with client requirements, GCP, and regulatory frameworks.

Manage study-support processes and team delivery.

Oversee study initiation, analytical planning, and resource allocation for scientific experiments.

Recommend assay and clinical model development, influencing company scientific strategy.

Participate in initial client meetings and conferences as a virology expert.

Assist in developing proposals and costing for internal/external studies with senior management.

Understand contracts, finance, and scope change processes.

Identify and escalate projects outside scope to senior management.

Promote effective teamwork across project teams and departments to meet timelines and budgets.

Qualifications and Experience:

• First Degree in relevant scientific subject or equivalent
• PhD in relevant scientific subject
• Expert knowledge in Virology or Immunology related to hVIVO’s Viral Challenge Model
• Excellent communication and motivational skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Good knowledge of GCP laboratories and ICH-GCP standards
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and work as part of a team
• Experience in project management
• Experience providing technical support to stakeholders and clients
• Line management experience, Master’s Degree, and knowledge of H&S regulations are desirable