Research Assistant in Vaccine CD4 Response Optimisation

Location: Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ And the NDM Research Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7FZ

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join a team headed by Professor Persephone Borrow and Emeritus Professor Andrew McMichael in the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine.

Our team are conducting basic immunologic research to enable innovation in design of effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies to combat infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). We work as part of three international research consortia focused on the development of strategies for HIV prophylaxis and cure, and are supported by funding from the NIH, Gates Foundation, and other sources.

You will contribute to work aiming to develop strategies to increase vaccine-mediated induction of CD4 T cell responses to deliver help to bnAb-lineage B cells that will support their maturation to acquire broad neutralising activity. Following initial training, you will be expected to plan and carry out experimental work independently (managing work to meet deadlines as needed). You will be responsible for performing lab-based experimental work of a high standard, carrying out our techniques carefully and accurately (with the inclusion of appropriate controls), and keeping good records of all work performed. Once sufficient experience is gained, you will also be expected to troubleshoot methods where needed and to establish new processes/techniques in addition to employing approaches already in use by the team.

To be successful in this role, you will hold a degree in a relevant biomedical science area and have a good understanding of immunology. You will have experience with and an aptitude for lab-based research, including expertise with, or at minimum a good understanding of, cellular immunological techniques including flow cytometry and basic molecular biology and proteomic techniques. You will also have experience with the use of bioinformatics tools/computational approaches for data analysis (knowledge of R is an advantage). In addition, you will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in oral presentations, written reports, etc; and demonstrate ability to work both as a team member or independently, and strong time-management/organisational skills.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application (via the ‘Apply’ button above). Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.
 
This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 30 September 2026 and is funded by the NIH.
 
Only applications received before 12 midday on Friday 18 October 2024 will be considered. Please quote 174896 on all correspondence.

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