Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific projects in virology/immunology and manage lab operations.
- Company: hVIVO conducts innovative human challenge trials to improve treatments for common illnesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact on public health through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD preferred in a relevant field; expertise in virology/immunology is essential.
- Other info: Client-facing role with opportunities to influence scientific strategy and mentor others.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
hVIVO is 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 aiming to eradicate common illnesses like cold and flu or make treatments more effective. Volunteers are central to our work, testing new treatments in a safe, controlled environment.
The Principal Scientist will lead the scientific development of lab operational staff, developing training plans and delivering study management training. This is a client-facing role, requiring detailed scientific discussions to support project setup, with a strong technical understanding of lab assays and virology/immunology. The role also involves analyzing scientific and strategic risks and options, and making recommendations to senior management.
Main Responsibilities
- Manage studies, including input into protocols, analytical plans, study compliance, risk, timeline, budget, and client communication.
- Maintain expert knowledge of virology and current assays, understanding developments in assay technologies.
- Understand viral infection mechanisms, antiviral drugs, vaccines, and clinical manifestations.
- Advise on viral challenge model and study design, ensuring compliance with GCP and regulatory standards.
- Manage study-support processes and oversee experimental execution.
- Recommend assay and clinical model development, influencing scientific strategy.
- Participate in client meetings and conferences as a virology expert.
- Assist in developing proposals and costing for studies, understanding contracts and scope changes.
- Identify scope deviations and escalate issues to senior management.
- Promote teamwork within project and clinical departments to meet timelines and budgets.
Skills & Experiences
- Degree in relevant scientific field; PhD preferred.
- Expertise in Virology or Immunology related to hVIVO’s Viral Challenge Model.
- Excellent communication, motivation, planning, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of GCP labs and ICHGCP standards.
- Experience supervising and mentoring, project management, and supporting stakeholders.
- Additional desirable: Master’s degree, knowledge of H&S regulations.
Principal Scientist - Virology or Immunology employer: hVIVO
Contact Detail:
hVIVO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist - Virology or Immunology
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the virology and immunology fields. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and industry leaders. Engaging in discussions can help you gain insights into the latest trends and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest research and developments in virology and immunology. Subscribe to scientific journals or follow key researchers on social media. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also provide you with talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for client-facing scenarios by practising your communication skills. Role-play potential discussions about study designs and project management with a friend or mentor. Being able to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with hVIVO's current projects and their viral challenge model. Understanding their specific methodologies and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist - Virology or Immunology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in virology or immunology. Include specific projects or studies you've managed, and emphasise any experience with human challenge clinical trials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're passionate about the role at hVIVO. Discuss your understanding of viral infection mechanisms and how your skills align with their mission to eradicate common illnesses.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you supervised or mentored staff, managed projects, or engaged in client-facing discussions. This will demonstrate your leadership and communication skills.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Mention any familiarity with GCP and ICHGCP standards, as well as your understanding of assay technologies. This will show that you are well-versed in the regulatory aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at hVIVO
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Principal Scientist, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of virology or immunology. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in the field and how they relate to hVIVO's work. Highlight any relevant research or projects you've been involved in.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect detailed scientific discussions during the interview. Brush up on lab assays, viral infection mechanisms, and antiviral treatments. Being able to articulate complex concepts clearly will show your technical prowess and communication skills.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Skills
This role involves leading and training lab staff. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, developed training plans, or mentored colleagues in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a scientific environment.
✨Understand the Client Perspective
Since this is a client-facing role, it's crucial to understand the importance of client communication and project management. Be ready to discuss how you've handled client interactions in previous roles and how you can ensure their needs are met while maintaining scientific integrity.
