At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in shaping biosecurity strategies and support innovative vaccine development.
- Company: PopVax, a pioneering biotech firm on a mission to save lives through advanced therapies.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment with potential for long-term growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to engage with the UK biosecurity ecosystem and travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global health while working with cutting-edge biotech innovations.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in life sciences; strong writing and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
About PopVax
PopVax is a clinical-stage, Indian full-stack biotech building first-in-class and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases, targeted cancer and infectious disease therapies, and personalized autoimmune therapies using generative AI for protein design. We conduct our R&D work and GMP manufacturing at our integrated RNA Foundry in Hyderabad, India, in support of our Million Lives Mission to develop vaccines and therapeutics over the next decade with the potential to cumulatively save 1 million lives each year. Our pipeline includes a broadly-protective COVID-19 vaccine, currently in a Phase I trial in Australia, first-in-class vaccines against Hepatitis C, Strep A and adult TB, as well as precision cancer therapies against pancreatic and liver cancer.
About the Role
PopVax is looking for a biosecurity fellow in London to help set up our biosecurity program. This is a 3-month fellowship that can develop into a longer-term position at PopVax.
Tasks
- Engage the UK biosecurity ecosystem — government bodies, companies, individuals, think tanks, and research institutions relevant to PopVax's biosecurity program
- Support the development of proposals and write briefs as the program moves through its fundraising and build-up stage
- Learn about PopVax’s therapeutic design pipeline and the activities of consortium partners, from binder design through in vitro and in vivo testing to mRNA manufacturing
- Track and synthesize developments in biological design models (genome language models, protein structure prediction tools) relevant to the program's work
- Help assess what sequence data is safe to share within the consortium
- Help translate technical progress into written materials for both expert and non-technical audiences
- Support day-to-day coordination of the London-based biosecurity program
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in the life sciences (molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, immunology, microbiology, genetics, pharmacology, bioengineering, computational biology and others)
- Graduate degree is desirable but not a requirement
- Able to legally work in the UK for a continuous 3-month period between October 2026 and January 2027 — we're unfortunately unable to sponsor a visa for this fellowship
- Willing to travel on approximately two occasions during the fellowship
- Strong writing and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical issues into language accessible to non-specialists
- Strong interest in biosecurity and in vaccine/therapeutics development
Application
Please send your CV along with a short cover letter describing your motivation for the fellowship (400 words maximum).
Biosecurity Fellow in London employer: PopVax
PopVax is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking vaccine and therapeutic development in a collaborative and innovative environment. Located in London, the Biosecurity Fellow role provides access to a vibrant biosecurity ecosystem, fostering professional growth through engagement with leading experts and institutions. With a commitment to saving lives and a supportive work culture, PopVax empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in global health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biosecurity Fellow in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including PopVax, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like PopVax.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at PopVax, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Biosecurity Fellow in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with PopVax specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at PopVax
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show PopVax that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show PopVax that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
