1

Scientist Vaccine Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist - Animal Pharma R&D We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join our ... The focus of this role is on research and development, particularly in vaccine development for herd ...

New

Senior Scientist We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join our dynamic team within ... The focus of this role is on research and development, particularly in vaccine development for herd ...

New

Medical Science Liaison

$184K - $215K/yr

This field-based role will serve as a trusted scientific partner to healthcare providers, public health officials, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to support vaccine education, clinical development ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Scientist Vaccine Development information

See salary details

$20

$38

$61

How much do scientist vaccine development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientist vaccine development in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Scientist Vaccine Development vs Microbiologist Vaccine Development?

AspectScientist Vaccine DevelopmentMicrobiologist Vaccine Development
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree in biology, immunology, or related fieldDegree in microbiology, biology, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch labs, public health agencies, biotech firms
Industry UsageDesigning and testing vaccine candidatesStudying microorganisms to develop vaccines
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve working in vaccine research, a Scientist Vaccine Development focuses on designing and testing vaccine candidates, often requiring advanced degrees and working in pharmaceutical or biotech settings. A Microbiologist Vaccine Development specializes in studying microorganisms to inform vaccine creation, with a strong emphasis on microbiology expertise. Both roles are essential in vaccine development and often overlap in research environments.

What does a Scientist in Vaccine Development do?

A Scientist in Vaccine Development is responsible for researching, designing, and testing vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. Their work involves conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy. They also stay updated on the latest scientific advancements and regulatory requirements to guide vaccine development from concept to clinical trials.

What are some common challenges faced by scientists working in vaccine development, and how can these be addressed?

Scientists in vaccine development often face challenges such as rapidly evolving pathogens, strict regulatory requirements, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Navigating complex clinical trial phases and ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy under tight timelines can be demanding. To address these challenges, scientists regularly engage in cross-functional teamwork with immunologists, regulatory experts, and manufacturing specialists, while staying updated on the latest research and compliance standards. Proactive communication, adaptability, and continuous professional development are key to overcoming obstacles and advancing promising vaccine candidates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientist in Vaccine Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientist in Vaccine Development, you need a strong background in molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry, often supported by an advanced degree (PhD or MS) in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, cell culture, and experience using data analysis software like GraphPad Prism are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across disciplines and convey complex findings. These skills are vital for driving innovation, ensuring scientific rigor, and advancing vaccine candidates safely and efficiently.
More about Scientist Vaccine Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientist Vaccine Development jobs? Cities with the most Scientist Vaccine Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist Vaccine Development jobs? The most popular types of Scientist Vaccine Development jobs are:
What states have the most Scientist Vaccine Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientist Vaccine Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Scientist Vaccine Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 70% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 6% Contract, 14% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Scientist

Scientist

Actalent

Lincoln, NE

$50 - $65/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Scientist - Animal Pharma R&D
Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join our dynamic team within the animal pharmaceutical industry. The focus of this role is on research and development, particularly in vaccine development for herd and livestock animals. The candidate will engage in mammalian and microbial cell culture in bioreactors and will be heavily involved in R&D for new product development. This role requires hands-on laboratory work throughout the full R&D lifecycle.

Responsibilities

  • Design, execute, and analyze experiments supporting vaccine development.
  • Manage and prioritize multiple projects with overlapping timelines.
  • Analyze data and present findings to internal stakeholders.
  • Support decision-making by translating data into actionable next steps.
  • Enhance team efficiencies and distribute workloads effectively.
  • Engage in upstream and downstream process development.
  • Apply molecular immunology techniques, including titrations and HAI assays.
  • Conduct ELISA and PCR analysis.
  • Participate in fermentation and bacterial production processing.
  • Optimize lyophilization processes, including formulation and excipient selection.
Essential Skills
  • Extensive experience in molecular biology and R&D.
  • Proficiency in PCR, fermentation, and lyophilization techniques.
  • Ability to apply molecular methods and perform titrations.
  • Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with USDA regulations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in life sciences is required, with a Master’s or PhD preferred.
  • 10-15 years of experience in R&D and the animal pharma industry.
  • Experience with USDA regulations and CVB requirements is preferred.
  • Ability to manage projects independently and work in a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment

This is a first shift onsite role during typical business hours, with some flexibility in start and end times. The position requires being onsite during core hours and occasionally working a few hours on weekends, depending on lab processes. Travel may be required less than 10% of the time after the first year or two of employment. The company offers a supportive culture and excellent benefits, providing an opportunity to make a significant impact within the industry.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lincoln, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lincoln,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

Social media