Research Associate in mRNA Vaccine Biochemistry and Immunology

Laplace Expert Ltd; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania, Department of Microbiology, in Pennsylvania, is seeking a Research Associate with postdoctoral experience in mRNA biochemistry, mRNA production, vaccine immunology and mouse models to investigate novel adjuvants for mRNA vaccines. Applications close on 28 October 2027.

The role focuses on supporting a grant-funded programme, performing advanced experiments, and evaluating vaccine-induced cellular and humoral responses in vivo.

Qualifications

• PhD required with postdoctoral experience in mRNA biochemistry, production, immunology and in vivo mouse work.
• Minimum 3–5 years postdoctoral experience in vaccine-related research.
• Experience in evaluating vaccine-induced cellular and humoral responses is essential.

Responsibilities

• Execute and interpret advanced experiments in mRNA biochemistry, production and vaccine immunology.
• Work with mouse models to evaluate adjuvant strategies for mRNA vaccines.
• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at national and international meetings.

Skills

mRNA biochemistry

mRNA production

Mouse models

Vaccine immunology

Cellular immune-response assessment

Humoral immune-response assessment

Adjuvant evaluation

Education

PhD degree

Job description

Research Associate in mRNA Vaccine Biochemistry and Immunology

University of Pennsylvania · Department of Microbiology

Pennsylvania, United States

About This Opportunity

Penn's Department of Microbiology seeks a Research Associate with postdoctoral experience in mRNA biochemistry, mRNA production, vaccine immunology and mouse models to investigate novel adjuvants for mRNA vaccines. Applications close on 28 October 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The Research Associate will support a grant-funded programme investigating new adjuvant strategies for mRNA vaccines in mouse models. The position requires technical depth across mRNA biochemistry and production, immunology and in vivo experimental work, with particular attention to measuring vaccine-induced cellular and humoral immune responses. Rather than serving as a generic laboratory support appointment, the role is structured for an experienced postdoctoral researcher who can execute and interpret advanced experiments while expanding research independence. Penn identifies development opportunities in literature analysis, experimental techniques, manuscript preparation and presentation of findings at national and international meetings. The initial appointment is one year, with continuation and renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and funding and limited to a maximum of three years. The combination of mRNA production, adjuvant evaluation and immune-response measurement makes the opportunity specifically relevant to experimental vaccine development and translational immunology.

Level Researcher

Time Commitment Full-time

Duration Initial one-year appointment; renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding, limited to three years

Reference Code Interfolio 176683

Field mRNA Vaccine Biochemistry and Immunology

Specialization Immunology and Microbiology

Organization Type University

Requirements

Education

PhD degree.

Experience

Minimum of three to five years of postdoctoral experience, including experience in mRNA biochemistry, mRNA production, immunology, evaluation of vaccine-induced cellular and humoral responses and work with mice.

Technical Skills

• mRNA biochemistry
• mRNA production
• Mouse models
• Vaccine immunology
• Cellular immune-response assessment
• Humoral immune-response assessment
• Adjuvant evaluation

General Skills

• Scientific writing
• Scientific presentation
• Independent experimental work