Senior Immunologist - Vaccine Development

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Educational support

Paid time off

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Immunologist for a premier biopharmaceutical setting in Sandton, Gauteng. The role centers on designing, executing, and analyzing studies to assess immune responses, vaccine efficacy, and safety, contributing to the development of novel vaccines.

The ideal candidate brings a Ph.D. in Immunology or related field and at least 6 years of postdoctoral or industry experience, with hands-on immunological assays and preclinical models, and a strong publication track

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in immunology with vaccine focus.
• Deep knowledge of immune system components and T-cell/B-cell responses.
• Experience with immunological assays and preclinical models is desirable.
• Understanding of vaccine development and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate vaccine candidates and their immunogenicity.
• Characterize immune responses, including cellular and humoral immunity, elicited by vaccines.
• Develop and optimize immunological assays (e.g., ELISpot, flow cytometry, ELISA, neutralizing antibody assays).
• Analyze and interpret complex immunological data, generating robust conclusions.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists to optimize vaccine delivery and stability.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of preclinical vaccine studies.
• Stay current with advancements in immunology and vaccinology.
• Prepare detailed research reports, contribute to publications, and present findings at conferences.
• Work with regulatory affairs teams to support IND-enabling studies.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative environment.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Immunological assays

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Immunology or related life science

Tools

ELISpot

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Neutralizing antibody assays

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing global health, is seeking an accomplished Senior Immunologist for their state-of-the-art research facility in Sandton, Gauteng . This crucial role will focus on the development of novel vaccines, involving the design, execution, and analysis of studies to assess immune responses, vaccine efficacy, and safety. You will work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including virologists, molecular biologists, and formulation experts. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of immunology, particularly in the areas of adaptive and innate immunity, and have hands‑on experience with immunological assays and preclinical models. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute significantly to the creation of new vaccines that address unmet medical needs. We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative scientist with a strong track record in immunological research and a passion for translational science. Your expertise will be vital in shaping our vaccine pipeline and bringing innovative solutions to public health challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate vaccine candidates and their immunogenicity.
• Characterize immune responses, including cellular and humoral immunity, elicited by vaccines.
• Develop and optimize immunological assays (e.g., ELISpot, flow cytometry, ELISA, neutralizing antibody assays).
• Analyze and interpret complex immunological data, generating robust conclusions.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists to optimize vaccine delivery and stability.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of preclinical vaccine studies.
• Stay current with advancements in immunology, vaccinology, and related fields.
• Prepare detailed research reports, contribute to scientific publications, and present findings at conferences.
• Work closely with regulatory affairs teams to support IND-enabling studies.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in immunology, with a focus on vaccine development.
• In-depth knowledge of immune system components and mechanisms, including T-cell and B-cell responses.
• Proven experience with a range of immunological assays and techniques.
• Hands-on experience with preclinical models of infectious diseases is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with vaccine development processes and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a record of scientific publications.
• Ability to manage projects independently and collaborate effectively in a team setting.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• This role in Sandton, Gauteng is situated within a vibrant and collaborative research ecosystem.
• You will have access to cutting‑edge facilities and the chance to work on projects with a significant global impact.
• We provide ample paid time off, annual performance bonuses, and educational support.
• Join our dedicated team and contribute to the development of life‑saving vaccines.