18 Months, Specific Purpose Full-Time Post
Position Summary
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 the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork. The scientist will work within the Horizon‑Europe‑funded consortium OptiViVax, focusing on developing microneedle skin patches to deliver next‑generation malaria vaccines based on newly identified antigens and newly licensed adjuvants.
The role involves 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 critical process parameters and quality attributes will be core to identifying leading designs and developing scalable processes. The researcher will lead the preparation of the identified lead vaccine‑loaded microneedle process for technology transfer to GMP production and will also be involved in immunogenicity testing of these vaccine dosage forms in vivo in pre‑clinical models.
Responsibilities
* Develop and optimise lipid‑based adjuvant formulations for microneedle delivery.
* Conduct systematic formulation studies and characterise critical quality attributes.
* Lead technology transfer activities to GMP production.
* Perform in‑vivo immunogenicity studies in pre‑clinical models.
* Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams including clinicians, parasitologists and immunologists.
* Prepare and maintain detailed scientific records and reports.
Qualifications
* PhD or equivalent in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related discipline.
* Expertise in pharmaceutical preparation and analysis of lipid‑based emulsions, nanoparticles, or biologics.
* Experience in vaccine or biologic formulation, ideally in solid dosage form development.
* Strong communication, planning, teamwork and problem‑solving skills.
* Track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
* Experience working in a commercial environment is desirable.
Team
The scientist will be based in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and in the School of Pharmacy, UCC. The multidisciplinary OptiViVax team provides a global network of clinicians, parasitologists, immunologists and vaccine developers focused on tackling P. vivax malaria.
Project Details
Project Title: Malaria Vaccine Stabilisation
Post Duration: 18 months, full‑time
Salary: €46,306 - €52,863 (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)
Application Information
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal. The closing date for applications is 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Wednesday 10th of December 2025. An interview will be held online during the week following the closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
For an information package including further details of the post see the UCC careers page. To begin the application process, click the Apply button below and log in or register.
Equal Opportunities Statement
UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including those who are under‑represented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy. UCC is an equal opportunities employer.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
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