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 seek a Senior Scientist to support CEPI partnerships by providing expert advice and guidance during the non-clinical life cycle of vaccine candidates under development and to support cross-cutting initiatives. This is a full-time, fixed term position until December 2027.
Responsibilities
- Manage Preclinical Model Network (PMN) laboratory partnerships and partnerships with external networks and funders in the global ecosystem
- Manage Service Orders for model development (including Disease X, paramyxovirus, and poxvirus vaccine libraries), or studies such as vaccine immunogenicity and/or efficacy, adjuvant selection, vaccine innovation, and/or other selected projects with PMN partners, ensuring high quality deliverables and working to the principles of NC3Rs; includes serving as Preclinical Lead and attending joint CEPI/Awardee project team meetings as needed
- Serve as the Laboratory Research and Innovations Department (LRI) representative in the R&D Programs and projects as needed
- Serve as primary liaison between the PMN and the CEPI Biosecurity Division and assist with the management and implementation of new Biosecurity initiatives with PMN partners
- Interface with the Pandemic Preparedness Engine to integrate data and assist with novel pathogen strategies
- Serve as preclinical project lead for research-based grant projects co-funded by CEPI and other organizations for progressing immunology data relevant to vaccine development efforts or generally in support of product development priorities
- As part of a matrixed team, assist other groups in LRI with enabling sciences projects for CEPI priority pathogens and/or Disease X
Education, Experience and Competence
- Essential: Advanced degree (PhD level) in life science, GLP or regulatory training, such as Study Director training or experience.
- Experience in non-clinical study design, study execution, data interpretation and reporting with an understanding of all types of non-clinical studies and how associated data fits into overall vaccine development, regulatory submissions and licensure
- Strong expertise in animal models, animal ethics policies, experience with US FDA Animal Rule and regulated (e.g., GLP) studies, non-clinical immunology, correlates of protection, mode of action and safety; experience with vaccine development for broad protection against a pathogen family is desirable
- Demonstrable problem-solving abilities, able to support vaccine development partners with issues as they arise, and being agile in their support
- Experience in working in collaborative R&D projects, preferably across sectors (academic, private sector, public and private funders)
- Previous experience working in a highly matrixed organisation
- Strong knowledge of vaccine platform technologies
- Experience with CEPI priority pathogen(s) and working in high containment (BSL3/4) laboratories or facilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with emphasis on developing team cohesion in a remote environment; computer literacy
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
Travel and Location Requirements
- This role is based in the UK, Norway or the US (East Coast).
- 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 12th July 2026 at 23:59 CET