Applications are invited for appointment as Research Officer (holding a functional title of Senior Research Scientist) in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI) of the School of Public Health (Ref. 532712), to commence as soon as possible on a one-year temporary or two-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.
HKU has partnered with International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and The University of Cambridge to establish the HKJCGHI, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. IVI is a non-profit international organization dedicated to vaccines and vaccination for global health. The Science Unit of IVI coordinates the Vaccine Process Development workstream and contributes to others workstreams of the HKJCGHI, including capacity building. These areas of work are in sync with HKJCGHI activities of the Science Unit in Seoul.
Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field. A PhD degree in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not mandatory. Applicants should have at least 15 years of relevant experience (at least 12 years for PhD holders) in developing and managing process development laboratories or related manufacturing operations, particularly for vaccines targeting infectious diseases.
Applicants should demonstrate good knowledge and relevant research experience in field of vaccine development/production of biomolecules using cell-culture platforms (e.g. viral vaccines), and possibly also bacterial- and mRNA-based vaccines including their biology, design of molecules, immunology, microbiology and molecular biology; and knowledge in developing assays for product characterization. Preference will be given to those with experience in cultivation and carrying out purification of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in vaccine development industry, especially in GLP or GMP facility. Experience in handling quantitative and/or qualitative assays for vaccine development research would be distinct advantages. They should have excellent written and spoken English skills along with good communication skills, a keen sense of responsibility, good organizational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. Preference will be given to candidates with prior work experience in vaccine/biopharmaceutical industry, or low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings.
The appointee will contribute to research activities on infectious diseases and vaccines under the HKJCGHI. Key responsibilities include developing and managing the process development laboratory at HKJCGHI, including GLP compliant lab areas, and the research projects at GHI; leading, supporting and co-ordinating the process development of vaccine candidates; supervising technology transfer of vaccine candidates developed at GHI-IVI to vaccine manufacturers; and managing staff and sub-departments in the Vaccine Process Development department at HKJCGHI. Additionally, he/she will contribute to the preparation/review of research reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and presentations for scientific meetings. The role also involves collaborating with internal and external stakeholders – including researchers, public health agencies, and policy-makers – supporting capacity-building activities and knowledge translation efforts in LMICs.
A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment on fixed terms will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date CV. Review of applications will start on August 5, 2025, and continue until October 14, 2025, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
