Global Clinical Immunology Scientist

Job Title: Clinical Immunology Scientist
Location: Remote UK, South Africa Remote, US Remote, Amsterdam Remote, 
Reporting to: Associate Director, Human Immunology, Human Immunology Lab

 Position Summary:

The Clinical Immunology Scientist supports the implementation and performance of immunological assays across IAVI-sponsored clinical trials and research programs. Working with Clinical Research Centers (CRCs), collaborating laboratories and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), the Scientist contributes to assay readiness, technology transfer, laboratory quality, training and data review activities that support reliable clinical trial data.

The Scientist provides remote and on-site technical support, identifies assay performance issues, recommends practical solutions within established study and laboratory plans, and escalates significant scientific or quality risks to senior scientific leadership and Quality Assurance, as appropriate.

The role supports preventive vaccine trials for emerging infectious diseases, including Lassa, Marburg and Ebola, as well as IAVI’s broader clinical trial and research portfolio. Working under general direction from senior scientific leadership, the Scientist applies advanced scientific and  technical judgment to support assay implementation, performance monitoring, troubleshooting and data review.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific and Technical

• Provide scientific and technical support to CRCs, collaborating laboratories and CROs conducting immunological assays for IAVI clinical trials and research programs, with a particular focus on laboratories in Africa.
• Support defined assay lifecycle activities, including feasibility and laboratory readiness assessments, assay development and optimization, qualification and validation activities, technology transfer and implementation across collaborating laboratories.
• Provide remote and on-site technical support and training during assay transfer, implementation and performance monitoring.
• Apply hands-on technical proficiency in immunological techniques, including ELISpot, ELISA, PBMC isolation and cryopreservation, neutralization assays, multiplex assays and flow cytometry.
• Review assay performance and laboratory data, identify technical or quality issues, support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, recommend corrective actions within defined procedures, and escalate issues requiring Quality Assurance or senior scientific leadership input.
• Support laboratory quality activities, by working within applicable GCP/GCLP requirements, study protocols, SOPs, laboratory quality systems and continuous-improvement activities.
• Support EQA program implementation, data analysis, reporting, troubleshooting and follow-up across participating laboratories.
• Contribute scientific and technical input to study and program teams on assay feasibility, laboratory performance, technical risks and clinical trial delivery requirements.
• Contribute technical observations and recommendations to support senior scientific decision-making.

Laboratory Operations Support

• Support laboratory operations required for clinical trial delivery, including equipment and reagent readiness, relevant documentation review, biosafety input, sample management and shipment coordination.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Contribute to the review, analysis, interpretation and reporting of laboratory data in support of clinical trials and research programs, working with program personnel and Operational Managers to meet study timelines and funder requirements.
• Communicate laboratory performance, findings and technical issues through reports, presentations and discussions with study teams and collaborating laboratories, and contribute laboratory data and technical content to scientific reports, publications and conference communications.

Training and Collaboration

• Build effective working relationships with scientists and laboratory personnel across CRCs, collaborating laboratories and CROs to support timely resolution of technical issues.
• Share technical observations, lessons learned and good laboratory practices across IAVI’s collaborating laboratory network.
• Deliver technical training and support to laboratory personnel on established assay methods, procedures and good laboratory practices.  

Education and Work Experience

• Master’s degree in immunology, biological sciences or a related field, with at least two years of relevant laboratory experience. A PhD in a related field is preferred but not required.
• A minimum of two years of related post-PhD experience is required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with relevant immunological techniques, including ELISpot, ELISA, PBMC isolation and cryopreservation, neutralization assays, multiplex assays or flow cytometry is required.
• Experience supporting clinical research laboratory activities in accordance with GCLP requirements is required.
• Experience contributing to the implementation, practical adaptation and documentation of immunological laboratory procedures for clinical research is required.
• Experience supporting assay development, optimization, qualification, validation or technology transfer under established study or laboratory plans is required.
• Experience reviewing assay performance, troubleshooting technical issues and recommending corrective actions in collaboration with laboratory teams is required.
• Experience reviewing, interpreting and reporting research or clinical trial laboratory data is required.
• Experience writing or reviewing SOPs, laboratory protocols or related technical documentation is required.
• Demonstrated experience communicating technical information and delivering laboratory training or technical support is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple work priorities and meeting established deadlines is required.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with internal colleagues and external laboratory partners is required.
• Ability to travel internationally to support collaborating laboratories is required. (approximately 10–15%).
• Experience supporting clinical trials or laboratory programs in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, particularly in Africa is desirable.
• Experience providing technical support to CRO laboratories is desirable.
• Experience using statistical analysis tools, including R, is desirable.

Organizational Overview: 

IAVI is a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to addressing urgent, unmet global health challenges including HIV and tuberculosis. Our mission is to translate scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. Through scientific and clinical research in Africa, India, Europe, and the U.S., IAVI is pioneering the development of biomedical innovations designed for broad global access. We develop vaccines and antibodies in and for the developing world and seek to accelerate their introduction in low-income countries. IAVI programs and partnerships are grounded in the regions of the world where the disease burden is the greatest, and our approach emphasizes sustainability. Our network of clinical research center partners in Africa and India helps strengthen in-country research capacity and supports the training and education of the next generation of scientists. The global impact of our science includes fundamental contributions to understanding the biology of HIV infection, which IAVI and others are applying toward advancing vaccine science and immunology. IAVI accelerates scientific discovery and development by fostering unique collaborations among academia, industry, local communities, governments, and funders to explore new and better ways to address public health threats that disproportionately affect people living in poverty. Our global reach, including a clinical research network in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in India, has allowed us to make fundamental contributions to understanding the epidemiology, transmission, virology, and immunology of HIV. This work played a key role in facilitating the design of promising HIV vaccine candidates, as well as the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that are now being advanced as promising approaches for HIV prevention. Our integrated capabilities in vaccine and antibody discovery, development, and clinical research take advantage of bio-pharmaceutical industry expertise to accelerate the development and testing of prevention methods for HIV and other diseases. Through the Product Development Center, we support external researchers with technical and scientific expertise to accelerate the development of their own products.   

IAVI CORE VALUES:  

• Commitment: We deliver on our mission, proactively transforming promises into tangible results 
• Stewardship: We steward IAVI's resources responsibly to ensure IAVI's long-term success and global health impact 
• Integrity: We uphold strong moral principles to maintain our credibility as a nonprofit scientific research organization
• Collaboration: We work as one IAVI team and partner with others to deliver globally accessible, urgently needed, public health solutions 

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. IAVI is an equal opportunity employer and applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.   

IAVI is an equal opportunity employer. It is IAVI’s policy to provide equal opportunity without regard to race, citizenship, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, disability (including physical and mental conditions unrelated to job performance), religion, creed, caste, home language, ancestry, national origin, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, ethnicity, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, HIV status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

Compensation And Benefits Information:  

Salary is paid in local currency, and is commensurate and competitive with the local labor market.  Please note, there may be some variation based on experience level. In addition, this position offers competitive benefits including: generous retirement savings plan employer contributions; competitive health, dental and vision insurance plans; competitive paid time off policy; potential for annual bonuses based on performance; and other benefits. More information can be found on IAVI's career page.  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 

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