Senior Virologist - Vaccine Development

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid annual leave

Professional development and konferies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Virologist in Soweto, Gauteng to lead vaccine development programs in a high-containment BSL-3 environment. You will design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies, develop virological assays, and contribute to preclinical evaluation of vaccine candidates.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Virology or related field with 5+ years postdoctoral experience, experience with human viruses in BSL-2/3 settings, and a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Virology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral virology and vaccine development experience.
• Experience with human viruses and BSL-2/3 containment.
• Expertise in viral culture, plaque assays, titration, and standard virological techniques.
• Experience with immunology assays relevant to vaccine evaluation (ELISA, neutralizing antibodies).
• Strong data analysis and statistics skills.
• Strong publication record in reputable journals.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop vaccines and conduct in vitro/in vivo studies.
• Design and perform in vitro assays to characterize viral replication and vaccine efficacy.
• Perform animal studies to evaluate immunogenicity and efficacy.
• Culture and propagate viruses in appropriate containment.
• Develop and optimize new virological assays and techniques.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings at meetings/conferences.
• Collaborate with internal teams including immunologists and molecular biologists.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and ensure safety compliance.
• Contribute to manuscripts and grant applications.

Skills

Independent researcher

Collaborative team

Scientific communication

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Virology or related field

5+ years postdoctoral experience

Tools

Viral culture techniques

Plaque assays

BSL-2/3 handling

ELISA

Neutralizing antibody assays

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading infectious disease research institute, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Virologist to contribute to their critical vaccine development programs in Soweto, Gauteng . This role will focus on the research and development of novel vaccines against significant viral pathogens. The Senior Virologist will be responsible for designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies, characterizing viral systems, and contributing to the preclinical evaluation of vaccine candidates. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art BSL-3 facility and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of immunologists, molecular biologists, and vaccinologists. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Virology or a related field, extensive experience with viral culture, assay development, and preclinical vaccine studies, and a strong publication record. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on public health by advancing vaccine technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research focused on the development of innovative vaccines against viral diseases.
• Design and perform in vitro assays to characterize viral replication, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine efficacy.
• Perform animal studies to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccine candidates.
• Culture and propagate a variety of viruses, including handling of potentially pathogenic agents in appropriate biosafety containment levels.
• Develop and optimize new virological assays and techniques.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare detailed reports, and present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate effectively with internal research teams, including immunologists, molecular biologists, and clinical development specialists.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety protocols and institutional guidelines.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and support grant applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral research experience with a strong focus on virology and vaccine development.
• Proven experience in handling and working with a variety of human viruses, including experience in BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 containment facilities.
• Expertise in viral culture, plaque assays, viral titration, and other standard virological techniques.
• Experience with immunology assays relevant to vaccine evaluation (e.g., ELISA, neutralizing antibody assays, cell-mediated immunity assays).
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with experience using relevant statistical software.
• Strong publication record in reputable scientific journals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Experience with preclinical animal models for infectious diseases is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance are provided. A generous retirement savings plan and substantial paid annual leave are included. Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international conferences and advanced training, are supported. The institute provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, including specialized containment laboratories, and fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment in Soweto, Gauteng . This role offers significant potential for career advancement and the opportunity to contribute to vital public health initiatives.