Biology/Computational Biology - Summer Research Program

Who We Are: A Mission Driven Company​​ Novavax has a rich history of innovation to help eradicate disease, prevent serious illness and save lives. But there is still work to be done. Our people are passionate about the mission and vision that guide our work.​​ We are seeking multiple highly motivated temporary employees to support cutting-edge research at the intersection of computational biology, artificial intelligence, and vaccine discovery. These positions offer a unique opportunity to be mentored by Novavax scientists while contributing to the computational design and experimental assessment of novel protein antigens by leveraging the latest advances in large language models (LLMs), GPT-based systems, and AI-driven protein engineering. The contractors will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of computational scientists and experimental biologists to accelerate next-generation vaccine antigen discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the computational design of novel protein antigens for vaccine research.
• Apply and evaluate emerging AI/ML approaches, including large language models (LLMs) and GPT-based tools, for protein sequence and structure design.
• Support experimental assessment and analysis of designed protein antigens in collaboration with laboratory teams.
• Analyze and interpret computational and experimental data; document results and insights.
• Contribute to internal reports, presentations, and project discussions.
• Stay informed on recent advances in AI-driven protein design and computational biology.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate (Bachelors, B.S.) or Master’s student at a U.S. university during Summer 2026.
• Major field of study should be in Computer Science, Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.
• Completion of at least 25% of required academic credits toward the degree program.
• Strong interest in vaccine research, protein design, or AI applications in biology.
• Basic proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, R, or similar).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-focused environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in machine learning, deep learning, or AI.
• Familiarity with protein biology, structural biology, or bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with data analysis, scientific computing, or cloud-based workflows.
• Prior exposure to LLMs, GPTs, or generative models applied to scientific problems.

Position Details

• Schedule: Full-time during 3 month Summer Research Program
• Work Location: Flexible – remote or on-site at Gaithersburg, Maryland.
• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from experienced researchers in computational and experimental vaccine science.
• Learning Opportunity: Hands-on exposure to real-world applications of AI and biology in an industry research setting.

The annual base salary (or hourly wage) for this position falls within the range of $20.90 - $26.15. However, the actual base pay offered may vary based on several individualized factors, such as market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Novavax offers a base salary, annual bonus, equity grants, professional career development/growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Rx, STD, LTD, Life, Optional Life, 401(k) plan. Our Mission​​ By leveraging our science, our technology and our people, we will innovate and collaborate to tackle the world’s most significant health challenges.​​ Our Vision​​ We envision a world where our technology is amplified to touch the lives of billions, sparking transformation in global health.​​ Our Values​​ Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Agility and Accountability sit at the heart of our culture. They express the mindset and behaviors that guide how we show up, how we work together and how we create impact — for patients, partners and each other. ​​ Our Footprint ​​ Novavax is proudly headquartered in the USA with main offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We conduct R&D and manufacturing for our Matrix-M adjuvant in Uppsala, Sweden.​ Apply tot his job Apply To this Job