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Vaccine Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UAB NOVA RENT

RESEARCHER ASSISTANT

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$16.50/hr

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in bacterial capsular biology and vaccine researcher. General Responsibilities As a Researcher Assistant, you will contribute to the daily ...

UAB

RESEARCHER ASSISTANT

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.50/hr

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in bacterial capsular biology and vaccine researcher. General Responsibilities As a Researcher Assistant, you will contribute to the daily ...

Emory University

$36K - $49K/yr

Discover Your Career at Emory University Emory University is a leading research university that ... Rui Kong within the Emory Vaccine Center at the Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC ...

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Vaccine Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

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How much do vaccine researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for vaccine researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vaccine researcher do?

A vaccine researcher studies viruses, bacteria, and the immune system to develop new vaccines or improve existing ones. Their work involves conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and running clinical trials to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness. Vaccine researchers collaborate with other scientists and healthcare professionals, often working for universities, government agencies, or pharmaceutical companies. Their efforts are crucial in preventing infectious diseases and improving public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vaccine researcher?

To thrive as a Vaccine Researcher, you need a solid background in immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology, usually supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or Pharm.D. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems is essential, as are certifications in biosafety. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaborative communication skills help researchers innovate and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure rigorous scientific development, safety, and efficacy in vaccine creation.

What are some typical challenges a vaccine researcher faces during the development process?

Vaccine Researchers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the safety and efficacy of new vaccine candidates, meeting rigorous regulatory requirements, and adapting to evolving pathogens. The work involves extensive collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including immunologists, clinical trial coordinators, and regulatory specialists. Additionally, researchers must manage tight timelines while navigating complex data analysis and frequent protocol adjustments, all within a highly regulated laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Vaccine Researcher vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectVaccine ResearcherClinical Research Associate
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in biology, microbiology, or immunology; research experienceDegree in life sciences or health-related fields; clinical trial knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic institutionsClinical trial sites, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma companiesPharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in vaccine developmentComparing clinical trial roles in healthcare research

Vaccine Researchers focus on developing and testing vaccines in laboratory settings, while Clinical Research Associates oversee clinical trials to ensure compliance and data integrity. Both roles are essential in vaccine development but differ in their responsibilities and work environments.

More about Vaccine Researcher jobs

What states have the most Vaccine Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vaccine Researcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Vaccine Researcher jobs?

For Vaccine Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Vaccine Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vaccine Researcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

RESEARCHER ASSISTANT

Birmingham, AL • On-site

UAB NOVA RENT
See more jobs at UAB NOVA RENTexternal

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Med - Pulmonary/Allergy/Critical Care, is in search of a Researcher Assistant to join their team. This position supports a researcher program focused on the microbiology and molecular biology of Streptococcus pneumoniae, with an emphasis on understanding capsule biosynthesis, immune responses to pneumococcal vaccines, and characterizing novel capsule types. The candidate will contribute to ongoing researcher projects using molecular and microbiological techniques, including immunological assays and analytical techniques like NMR. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in bacterial capsular biology and vaccine researcher.
General Responsibilities
As a Researcher Assistant, you will contribute to the daily operations of research projects under the close supervision of experienced researchers. This role involves performing standard research tasks, including sample processing, basic data analysis, and maintaining accurate records. Your support will be crucial in helping senior team members execute complex protocols and ensuring the smooth functioning of the lab. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
  1. 20% Conduct molecular biology experiments including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
  2. 20% Perform bacterial culture, transformation, and maintain strain stocks.
  3. 10% Perform immunological assays such as ELISA.
  4. 20% Purify capsule polysaccharide using chromatographic techniques.
  5. 10% Maintain detailed laboratory records, organize data, and assist in preparing researcher summaries.
  6. 10% Manage laboratory reagents and consumables; assist in ordering and inventory maintenance.
  7. 5% Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and biosafety regulations.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Hourly Range : $16.50- $ 21.45
Qualifications
Qualifications
Associate's degree in a related field OR High School diploma or GED and two (2) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.
Preferences
  • Preferred hard skills: bacterial culturing, PCR, molecular cloning, Western blotting, ELISA, and basic bioinformatics.
  • Preferred soft skills: good organizational ability, effective communication, and attention to detail.
  • Preferred degree disciplines: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and immunology.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

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