Postdoctoral Position in Biochemistry

University College Cork

Institution: University College Cork (Schools of Biochemistry & Cell Biology and Pharmacy)
Position Type: Specific Purpose, Full-Time, 18 Months
Salary: €46,306 – €52,863 (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)
Closing Date: 10th December 2025, 12:00 Noon (Irish time)
Interviews: Online, week following closing date

Project Overview

• Horizon-Europe-funded OptiViVax consortium.
• Focus: Developing microneedle skin patches for next-generation P. vivax malaria vaccines.
• Work includes formulation of liposomes, nano-emulsions, lipid nanoparticles, pre-clinical immunogenicity testing, and preparation for GMP technology transfer.
• Emphasis on vaccine stability, scalability, and needle-free delivery.

Candidate Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Expertise in lipid-based emulsions, nanoparticles, or biologics.
• Experience in vaccine or biologic formulation, ideally solid dosage forms.
• Strong practical, problem-solving, record-keeping, and teamwork skills.
• Publication record in relevant fields.
• Experience in a commercial or translational environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, evaluate, and record vaccine formulation methods.
• Identify critical process parameters and develop scalable vaccine processes.
• Conduct pre-clinical immunogenicity studies.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary international team of clinicians, immunologists, and parasitologists.

Application Process

• Apply online via: UCC vacancy portal
• Include: CV, cover letter, and relevant documents per portal instructions.
• Informal enquiries: Prof. Anne Moore – anne.moore@ucc.ie, +353 (0)21 4205424

Additional Notes

• UCC emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Appointment dependent on university approval and higher education employment framework.
• Late applications will not be considered.