Laboratory Technician - Vaccine Development

Genvax Technologies; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range $50,000-$60,000

Equity incentive plan

Insurance package

401K

20 Days Annual PTO

Job summary

Genvax Technologies in Ames, Iowa seeks a Technician to support RNA antigen manufacturing and vaccine development in a fast-paced lab. You will perform aseptic cell culture, RNA/DNA work, and contribute to formulation, process scale-up, and data management using LIMS/ELN. Strong attention to detail and adaptability are essential.

This role offers opportunities in regulatory-ready manufacturing, collaboration across teams, and growth in a cutting-edge biopharma environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture, bacterial culture, and molecular biology techniques under aseptic conditions.
• Extract, purify, and analyze RNA and DNA for vaccine applications.
• Assist in formulation development for nucleic acid vaccines and scale-up manufacturing.
• Record, manage, and analyze data using LIMS and ELN; ensure accurate documentation.
• Follow quality procedures, biosafety guidelines, and support regulatory documentation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related field

Tools

LIMS software

ELN software

Job description

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Technician who thrives in a dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and comfort navigating ambiguity while proactively solving problems and adjusting priorities as business needs evolve. This position is primarily responsible for RNA antigen manufacturing and downstream lipid nanoparticle encapsulation as well as testing associated with quality, sterility, reproducibility and safety. The successful candidate will have experience in aseptic techniques, working with RNA and DNA, vaccine formulation and manufacturing, and an understanding of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or a willingness to learn. A successful candidate for this role must demonstrate adaptability in dynamic environments, effectively shifting priorities and approaches as project needs evolve, apply critical thinking to troubleshoot both scientific, mechanical and/or engineering challenges, and exercise sound judgment and confidence in making timely, data-informed decisions as well as willingness to step up into responsibilities outside of the job description. This role will support the development and optimization of vaccine candidates, working in a collaborative environment to advance products from research through regulatory approval, scale-up and regulated manufacturing of vaccine production.

Key Responsibilities

• Aseptic Technique & Laboratory Work: 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.
• RNA and DNA Research & Development: Extract, purify, and analyze RNA and DNA for vaccine applications. Develop and optimize nucleic acid-based formulations for vaccine candidates.
• Vaccine Formulation & Manufacturing: Assist in formulation development for nucleic acid vaccines. Support scale-up and process development for vaccine manufacturing. Characterize vaccine stability, potency, and immunogenicity utilizing validated assays or designing novel methods to assess.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN): 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 for data-driven decision-making. Ability to learn and adapt to new LIMS and ELN platforms as required.
• Quality & Compliance: Follow USDA-CVB approved manufacturing and laboratory quality procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, and biosafety guidelines in vaccine production. Maintain detailed laboratory records, protocols, and reports. Support regulatory documentation and technology transfer activities.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Proven hands‑on aptitude with the ability to work effectively with lab equipment and instrumentation, troubleshoot issues, and perform basic repairs or mechanical fixes as needed to support operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Competencies & Skills

• 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

Benefits

• $50,000-$60,000 Salary
• Opportunity to participate in Equity Incentive Plan
• Insurance Package
• 401K
• 20 Days Annual PTO