Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Molecular Immunology

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Molecular Mucosal Immunology group of Prof Emma Slack, based in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. The team will explore fundamental principles of bacterial antigen handling in the gut and gut-associated lymphoid structures, as well as rational design of vaccine structures. The overall aim is to induce high-affinity IgA responses that allow Klebsiella clearance from the gut lumen of high-risk patients, in combination with ecological niche competition. This project is in collaboration with the lab of Prof Kevin Foster, also at the Dunn School.

 

The Foster and Slack labs have a strong record of helping postdoctoral researchers become PIs, with the majority going on to start their own groups.  
 
The post-holder will be responsible for managing their own research project in Klebsiella vaccine design. You will have a high degree of autonomy to develop the methodology and experimental approaches, as well as being able to build on expertise in mucosal vaccine design, glycobiology and microbiology in the Molecular Mucosal Immunology group.

 

The post-holder should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD in biological sciences. Experience with analysing mucosal immune responses and in chemical conjugation methods and chromatography of proteins and/or glycan are essential. You should be highly motivated, organised and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Experience in mucosal immunology, synthetic biology and microbial glycobiology is desirable.

 

This is a fixed-term appointment available for 3 years in the first instance. If you are interested in this role, and have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Informal enquiries could be sent to Prof Emma Slack via email: emma.slack@path.ox.ac.uk .

 

Only applications submitted online and received before midday on Tuesday 22 April 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

 

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