Senior Scientist, Virologist​/Molecular Biologist - Global Biologics, Swine

Location:

Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Advance swine vaccine discovery and development (applied virology, molecular biology, vaccinology) through hypothesis-driven research and data interpretation.
• Design and execute laboratory studies; review and interpret scientific literature.
• Identify immunogenic components of swine viral pathogens; understand viral evolution/epidemiology; characterize vaccine targets for live and non-replicating approaches.
• Provide hands‑on technical expertise using cell culture, virus propagation, genetic manipulation, and characterization.
• Generate and identify new viral vaccine candidates; collaborate across cross-functional teams; mentor others on viral vaccine development and characterization.
• Maintain high lab safety and documentation standards; present findings via internal/external presentations and publications.

• Cell culture, virus propagation/characterization, and viral vector modification; experience with swine-relevant viral pathogens.
• Molecular biology (DNA extraction, PCR, cloning); sequence analysis and bioinformatics tools (e.g., BLAST; DNASTAR/Lasergene).
• Vaccine discovery process; genomic approaches for virulence factors; gene‑deleted/protein‑based vaccine strategies (e.g., Ingenuity Pathways Analysis, VFdb, IEdb, Alpha Fold).
• Viral phylodynamics analysis (phylogenetics/population dynamics/evolution) and B/T‑cell epitope prediction.

• Master’s or PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or closely related field (or Bachelor’s with significant relevant hands‑on lab research).
• Extensive training in virology and molecular/genotypic characterization and cell culture modification; experience with sequence analysis, immunology, and epitope identification.
• Experience conducting hypothesis‑driven lab research; strong written/verbal communication; working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).