Post Doctoral Researcher School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology

27 Feb 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University College Cork

Department

HR Research

Research Field

Biological sciences » Other

Researcher Profile

Established Researcher (R3)

Positions

Other Positions

Application Deadline

6 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)

Country

Ireland

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

5 Dec 2025

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 nano-emulsion vaccine adjuvants 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. 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 demonstrated expertise in incorporating oil-in-water emulsions into microneedle patches. The scientist must have recent experience of working in Horizon Europe consortia and must have excellent communication, planning, team-working, practical, problem solving, record-keeping skills. The scientist must have a track record in publishing previous work in the microneedle patch field and previously demonstrated skills in an innovation environment. They must hold a primary and/or secondary degree in Pharmacy or related Pharmaceutical Science discipline.  They must have direct experience of working in vaccine formulation, specifically in development of solid dosage forms.

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 HEIResearcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association

Where to apply

Website

http://www.ucc.ie/en/

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Other

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The primary focus of the Post-Doctoral 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

Essential Criteria

• A PhD qualification in the area of pharmaceutics related to vaccine thermostabilisation or a related field.
• Appropriate research experience.
• Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment.
• A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
• Research experience in pharmaceutical analyses and formulation development.
• Track record, evidenced as peer-reviewed publications in vaccine development and microneedle patches.
• 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 work well within a team.
• Ability to develop, read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience in a commercial vaccine development environment.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently

Languages

ENGLISH

Research Field

Biological sciences » Other

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Chief People & Culture Office

Country

Ireland

State/Province

Cork

City

087953

Street

1 Rochelle Lawn

Geofield

Contact

State/Province

Cork

City

Cork

Website

http://www.ucc.ie/en/

Street

Western Road

E-Mail

anne.moore@ucc.ie

STATUS: EXPIRED

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