Senior Research Scientist - Immunology and Vaccine Development

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Bonus program

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Immunology and Vaccine Development in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead design and validation of advanced immunological assays, and drive in vitro/in vivo studies to evaluate vaccine candidates.

The role requires a PhD with 6+ years of immunology-focused experience, broad assay expertise, and strong data analysis and scientific communication skills. Join a premier R&D team advancing global public health through innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in immunology, with a significant focus on vaccine development.
• Demonstrated expertise in a broad range of immunological techniques, including cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and serological assays.
• Experience with relevant preclinical models for infectious diseases or other relevant indications.
• Strong understanding of adaptive and innate immune responses.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to document and present scientific findings.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Track record of publications in high-impact journals.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate complex immunological assays to assess immune responses to vaccine candidates.
• Conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and immunogenicity of novel vaccine formulations.
• Analyze and interpret immunological data, draw sound scientific conclusions, and present findings to project teams and management.
• Contribute to the development of preclinical strategies for vaccine candidates, including study design and data reporting.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including virologists, vaccinologists, and assay development specialists.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in immunology and vaccinology.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and implement solutions to ensure project timelines are met.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present data at scientific conferences.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Assay development

In vitro & in vivo studies

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Immunology or related life science

Tools

GraphPad Prism

FlowJo

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Research Scientist specializing in Immunology and Vaccine Development. This critical role, located in Midrand, Gauteng , will drive the discovery and preclinical evaluation of novel vaccine candidates. You will be instrumental in designing and executing complex immunological assays, analyzing data, and contributing to the strategic direction of our vaccine research programs. This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading R&D team and make a tangible impact on global public health through scientific innovation. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in cellular and humoral immunology, assay development, and preclinical model systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate complex immunological assays (e.g., ELISpot, flow cytometry, cytokine profiling) to assess immune responses to vaccine candidates.
• Conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and immunogenicity of novel vaccine formulations.
• Analyze and interpret immunological data, draw sound scientific conclusions, and present findings to project teams and management.
• Contribute to the development of preclinical strategies for vaccine candidates, including study design and data reporting.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including virologists, vaccinologists, and assay development specialists.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in immunology and vaccinology.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and implement solutions to ensure project timelines are met.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present data at scientific conferences.

Requirements

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in immunology, with a significant focus on vaccine development.
• Demonstrated expertise in a broad range of immunological techniques, including cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and serological assays.
• Experience with relevant preclinical models for infectious diseases or other relevant indications.
• Strong understanding of adaptive and innate immune responses.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, FlowJo) and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to document and present scientific findings.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles is a plus.
• Track record of publications in high-impact journals.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health benefits
• performance-based bonus structure
• retirement savings plan

This position is based in our advanced research facility in Midrand, Gauteng , offering a dynamic work environment. We support continuous professional development through training programs and conference attendance. Employees have access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and resources, fostering an atmosphere of scientific discovery and innovation.