Description

We are seeking a post-doctoral pharmaceutical scientist, with expertise in formulating liposomes, nano-emulsions and/or lipid nanoparticles to join our vaccine stabilization team, jointly at the School of Pharmacy and School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, in University College Cork, Ireland. The scientist will work within a Horizon-Europe-funded consortium, OptiViVax. This project will utilise pharmaceutical methods and principles to enhance the stability of new lipid-based adjuvants to create needle-free, stable, immunogenic P. vivax vaccines. 

The ideal candidate:

We are seeking a highly motivated  researcher in the pharmaceutical sciences, with an ability to work to a high standard and as part of a team. The scientist must have expertise in pharmaceutical preparation and analysis of lipid-based emulsions and/or nanoparticles and/or biologics. The scientist must have a track record in publishing previous work, hold a primary and/or secondary degree in Pharmacy or related Pharmaceutical Science discipline.  They should have direct experience of working in vaccine or biologic formulation, ideally in development of solid dosage forms.

The team:

We strive to provide a vibrant research community that values career development  teamwork, scientific excellence, creativity, ambition and discovery to support innovation, within a multi-cultural environment, in a research-based, globally-oriented university, based in the heartland of Ireland’s energy, food, pharmaceutical and information and communications technology industries.  The scientist will be based in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and in the School of Pharmacy, UCC. The overall multidisciplinary OptiViVax team provides a global network of clinicians, parasitologists, immunologists and vaccine developers who are jointly focused on tackling P. vivax malaria.

Full details available here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/research/

The job title is Post-Doctoral Researcher School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Job ID : 091813

Applications can only be made on this online UCC portal. 

Closing Date: 10th December 2025. 

We look forward to discussing this opportunity with great candidates in December!
 

Requirements

CRITERIA

Essential

 A PhD qualification in the area of pharmaceutics related to biologics and/or vaccine adjuvants, or a related field.

Research experience in pharmaceutical analyses and formulation development.

 Track record, evidenced as peer-reviewed publications in vaccine development.

 Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment. 

 Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.

 Demonstrated experience in writing reports for commercial partners.

Ability to develop and follow research protocols.

 Great communication, organisation and interpersonal skills. Capability to work in a team environment, meet deadlines, prioritize and balance work from multiple individuals, to achieve results.

 A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.

 Ability to develop, read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.