Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology
Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 10 Dec 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer 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. The scientist will work within a Horizon-Europe-funded consortium, OptiViVax, where they will focus on developing microneedle skin patches to deliver next generation malaria vaccines based on newly identified antigens and newly licensed adjuvants. This project builds on our significant expertise in developing and commercialising novel vaccine delivery platforms, including dissolvable microneedle patches, which is globally recognised. These technologies stabilise vaccines out of cold chain and are easier to administer compared to needle-and-syringe based injection. 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 research will involve designing, testing, recording and evaluating methods and compositions of vaccine-based microneedle solid dosage forms, using systematic approaches to understand key interactions within the formulation. Defining and understanding critical process parameters underlying critical quality attributes will be core to identifying leading designs and to developing scalable processes. The researcher will lead on preparing the identified lead vaccine loaded microneedle process for technology transfer to GMP production. They will also be involved in immunogenicity testing of these vaccine dosage forms in vivo in pre‑clinical models.
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 excellent communication, planning, team‑working, practical, problem solving, record‑keeping skills and previously demonstrated skills in an innovation environment. 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. Experience of working in a commercial environment is also desirable.
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.
Achievement of the expected progression within Post Doc and Senior Post Doc is transferable between the Irish HEI’s. This can be reflected in the starting pay of a PD researcher. Similarly, as the PD scheme is an intergenerational training scheme completion of PD1 or PD 2 levels in one HEI will normally render that researcher ineligible for appointment at a similar level in another Irish HEI Researcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association
Post Duration: 18 Months, Full‑Time Post
Research Field Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The primary focus of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be research however a particular emphasis during this stage should include:
* To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
* To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
* To gain experience in grant writing.
* To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of a Principal Investigator.
* To become familiar with the publication process.
* To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision).
* To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, School or College.
* To interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and possibly have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day‑to‑day research in conjunction with an academic supervisor.
* To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research.
* To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
* To contribute to costing research grant proposals and assist in the financial management of a research project.
Specific Requirements
* 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 utilisation, 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, prioritise 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.
* Ability to perform multiple tasks independently.
Languages ENGLISH
Research Field Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology
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