Postdoctoral Research Scientist In Mucosal Immunology

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Mucosal Immunology.

The successful candidate will conduct research in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment of an internationally leading research institute. They will benefit from the institute and wider university expertise in immunology and vaccinology.

In this position you will lead development of transcriptomic analysis across several ongoing projects contributing to the identification of mucosal mechanisms involved in protection and susceptibility to respiratory disease as well as vaccine-induced immune responses.

You will also use a broad array of T and B cell experimental approaches including ELISpot, flow cytometry, ELISA and sterile cell culture. You will work closely with both laboratory and bioinformatic teams and will be responsible for analysis and/or supervision of the data analyses. You will be expected to write publications for academic journals and raise research funds through grant applications.

The Oxford Vaccine Group is a passionate and active research group which conducts world-leading research into creating new and optimising existing vaccines for children and adults. Our research has led to development and licensure of the new Oxford/AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, by delivering and managing global vaccine trials. We are also working on human challenge models to advance the development of vaccines and therapeutics against several infectious diseases.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training.

In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

About you

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in immunology or a related immunological subject and have specialist knowledge to independently develop research questions and conduct research on immunity induced in the context of vaccination, natural infection and controlled human infection models. The successful candidate will ideally have experience assessing immunity to respiratory pathogens (e.g pneumococcus, Influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV2 and others). Examples of techniques where you will be proficient include ELISA, ELISpot, multiparameter flow cytometry, ICS, AIM assays and single cell/bulk/spatial transcriptomic experiments.

Applicants will have excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to work collaboratively and a strong publication record.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 9th April will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

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