Research Associate - Preclinical Vaccine Evaluation

Join Baxiva and help shape the future of bacterial vaccines

Baxiva is a biotechnology startup developing next-generation glycoconjugate vaccines to prevent infections caused by Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Our lead vaccine candidate targets Escherichia coli, the leading cause of urinary tract infections worldwide, and a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Backed by cutting-edge science and operating in Schlieren and on ETH Zurich’s Hönggerberg campus, Baxiva offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact science with real-world clinical potential.

Your role

As a Research Associate - Preclinical Vaccine Evaluation, you will be a pillar of our in vivo team. You will work hands-on in the lab and in the animal facility on mouse experiments, testing the immunogenicity and protective capacity of our vaccines. In close collaboration with the vaccine development team, your work will drive the selection and optimization of our lead program.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Designing and executing vaccination and bacterial challenge experiments in mouse models
• Analysing mouse samples with immunological methods (ELISA, flow cytometry, serum bactericidal assay, opsonophagocytic killing assay, etc.)
• Developing and optimizing immunological methods
• Analyzing data and presenting results at internal meetings
• Ensuring compliance with and meticulous documentation according to Swiss animal welfare regulations

Your profile

We’re looking for someone who is curious, reliable, and delivers high-quality results with an eagerness to grow with us. You should enjoy tackling complex problems as part of a team to deliver real-world impact.

You bring:

• MSc/PhD (or BSc/Biolaborant with relevant experience) in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, or related field
• Strong interest in wet lab work
• Experience in standard microbiology and immunology techniques/assays (bacterial/mammalian cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, opsonophagocytic killing assay)
• LTK-1 license, experience with mouse work (including different injection techniques) and a willingness to conduct animal experiments
• Strong organizational skills and documentation practices
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit
• Proficiency in English

We offer

We are a team of intrinsically driven scientists working at the forefront of bacterial vaccine development and motivated to transform global health. We take pride in our work and embed scientific excellence into every decision we make. We match those high standards with high autonomy - cultivating an environment built for self-starters who love solving hard problems, take full responsibility for their work, and excel because they bring passion to their research and their lives outside the lab.

Apply

We look forward to receiving your online application with a CV and a short statment outlining your relevant experience and motivation.