Senior Technical Manager/ Technical Manager in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI), School of Public Health (Ref.: 535027), 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 12 years of relevant experience in developing and managing process development laboratories or related manufacturing operations, particularly for vaccines targeting infectious diseases. 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.
Applicants should demonstrate extensive knowledge and relevant experience in the field of vaccine development and biomanufacturing, particularly in cell-culture platforms for viral and bacterial vaccines, including mRNA-based vaccines. Applicants should possess a deep understanding of biology, design of molecules, immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology; and expertise in developing and validating assays for product characterization. The role requires proven experience in cultivation, purification, and scale-up of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses within GLP or GMP-compliant facilities. Familiarity with handling quantitative and qualitative assays for vaccine research and development is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with prior work experience in vaccine/ biopharmaceutical industry, or low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. Those with lower qualifications and/or less experience may be considered for appointment as Technical Manager.
The appointee will oversee the operations 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 HKJCGHI. Additionally, he/she will collaborate 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 benefit. The appointment on fixed terms will attract contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme totalling up to 15% of basic salary for Senior Technical Manager, and 10% for Technical Manager. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will start on May 4, 2026 and continue until May 31, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
