About CEPI
CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations. Its mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. Central to CEPI’s pandemic-beating plan is the ‘100 Days Mission’ – its goal to develop safe, effective and accessible vaccines against new threats in just 100 days.
CEPI’s work has delivered world firsts for vaccines against many of its priority pathogens including the first licensed Chikungunya vaccine, the first ever Lassa fever, Nipah and MERS vaccines to reach Phase II trials and the first Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate to be studied in Phase II in an endemic region. CEPI has also supported programmes to generate much-needed data to expand access to Ebola and Mpox vaccines. CEPI was among the first funders of COVID-19 vaccines, ultimately building one of the world’s largest portfolios, seven of which were licensed. The Coalition also conceptualised and co-founded COVAX, which delivered nearly two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 146 countries , saving an estimated 2.7 million lives in lower-income regions.
Earlier this year, CEPI launched its CEPI 3.0 Strategy (covering 2027-2031) which will systematically reduce the likelihood and impact of epidemics and pandemics by driving the 100 Days Mission towards an operational reality.
CEPI is a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.
In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want a diverse pool of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow. Learn more at www.cepi.net
About the role
We are looking for a Senior Scientist to support CEPI laboratory partnerships by providing expert advice and guidance during the development and validation of immunoassays and/or diagnostic assays for testing vaccine candidates during pre-clinical and clinical trials, and for vaccine deployment. This is a one year fixed-term contract.
Responsibilities
- Assist the development and implementation of immunological assays, such as ELISA, virus neutralization assays, ELISPOT, flow cytometry, etc., within the CEPI laboratory networks
- Serve as assay and technology transfer expert to support the CEPI laboratory networks
- Support CEPI’s ongoing vaccine development projects through offering preclinical expertise in vaccine discovery and development
- Take part in application reviews, due diligence, and project teams related to new analytical technologies.
- Provide technical support for diagnostic evaluation and development projects
- As part of a matrixed team, assist other groups in the Diagnostics, Animal Model and Pre-Clinical space within the Department of Laboratory Research and Innovations with enabling sciences projects for CEPI priority pathogens or Disease X
- Serve as expert and advisor for review of applications for CEPI funding through calls for proposals for laboratory partners and contribute to the due diligence process.
Education, Experience and Competence
- Essential: Advanced degree (PhD level) in Immunology or related disciplines (life science), with a minimum of 10 years post-graduate experience.
- Desirable: Experience coordinating and developing laboratory networks or partnerships in vaccine development, diagnostics, biotechnology, public health, or global health, including governance, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of shared priorities.
- Required: experienced in development and validation of immunoassays for testing vaccine/therapeutic candidates during clinical trials (GLP/GMP and GCLP compliance) and pre-clinical phase and in development and validation of diagnostic assays for case confirmation and RDTs
- Required: Knowledge of regulatory compliance and technology transfer is required
- Required Experience in QC/QA data management and reporting and management of analytical testing is required
- Required Experience with key reagents procurement for pre-clinical & clinical trial assays is required
- Required Knowledge in high throughput multiplex assays platforms is desirable
- Required: experience with BSL3/4 laboratory containment environment and/or toxicology testing is desirable
- Required: Experience in diagnostics and/or immunoassay development, validation, and implementation, as well as familiarity with applying data science or AI methods to assay or diagnostic data. This includes understanding validation, reproducibility, and governance expectations.
- Required: Experience working in collaborative research and development projects, ideally across sectors such as academia, industry, public organisations, and philanthropic funders.
- Required: Strong problem-solving skills and careful attention to detail and accuracy.
- Required: Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Required: Strong computer and digital skills.
Travel and Location Requirements
- This role is based in the UK or Norway.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to work together with leading experts on solutions for global challenges
- Experience from the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
- A diverse and inclusive working environment
How to apply
- For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://cepisites.secure.force.com/careers
- Should you have any issues submitting your application or have questions please contact [email protected]
- Background verification will be conducted to verify information provided in the CV and available documentation.
- Deadline for receiving applications is 21st June 2026 at 23:59 CET