PhD Graduate Student - RNA Vaccines

Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO); Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Job summary

VIDO, Canada's Centre for Pandemic Research, invites applications for a PhD student to join a project on RNA vaccines for cattle. The role will involve cutting-edge work across molecular biology, immunology, and vaccine development, within a CL2 containment environment.

The candidate will collaborate with senior scientists at the University of Saskatchewan and VIDO. The position is designed for applicants who recently completed an MSc in a relevant biomedical field, with strong academic

Qualifications

• Completed MSc degree within past 2 years.
• Effective organizational and time-management skills are required.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Join a project focused on developing RNA vaccines for cattle.
• Perform molecular, virological, and immunological assays.
• Receive specialized training for working with large animals in Containment Level 2 environments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Prioritization

Verbal and written communication

Education

MSc degree in veterinary medicine, pharmaceutics, biochemistry, immunology, or relevant biomedical sciences

Job description

120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 2R3

contract . August 17, 2026

Description

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.

Position Summary

Dr. Aneesh Thakur, Principal Scientist, Laboratory of Vaccine Engineering, and Immunology (LVEI) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student. The student will be joining a project focused on developing RNA vaccines for cattle.

The purpose of this project is to address the challenges associated with veterinary mRNA vaccines and develop novel mRNA vaccines for cattle immunization. The project will combine approaches in drug delivery, immunology, microbiology, and bovine infection models to achieve the objectives.

The student will have the opportunity to work with advanced in vitro models and perform molecular, virological, and immunological assays. The student will also receive specialized training on working with large animals safely in Containment Level 2 (CL2) environments.

Qualifications

• Completed MSc degree in veterinary medicine, pharmaceutics, biochemistry, immunology, or relevant biomedical sciences (received in the past 2 years).
• Effective organizational, time management, and prioritization skills, as well as effective verbal and written communication skills are required.

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant work experience
• Scientific publications
• A cumulative weighted average of at least 80%
• Participation in professional activities such as conferences, workshops etc.
• Communication skills
• The successful applicant is also required to be enterprising and to possess good interpersonal skills

Formal Requirements

The position is available for a 4-year period for applicants holding a relevant master´s degree.

The successful applicant will be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD graduate student at one of the Graduate Programs at the University of Saskatchewan according to the rules stipulated in the guidelines for the Graduate Program at the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Financial Support

The candidate will be provided with a stipend and will also be expected to apply for internal and external scholarships.

Living in Saskatoon

• One of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada (https://www.saskatoon.ca/community-culture-heritage/new-saskatoon/life-saskatoon)
• One of the sunniest places in Canada (https://www.saskatoon.ca/community-culture-heritage/new-saskatoon/life-saskatoon)
• A leading centre of culture and learning, Saskatoon is also one of the most socially engaged and most literate cities in Canada (https://admissions.usask.ca/campus-life/housing.php)

For more information visit: Discover Saskatoon

For more information visit: vido.org

Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.