Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Bioinformatics

Location:  Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

Salary: Research Grade 8: Salary in range £48,235 - £57,255 per annum. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year.

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Bioinformatics to develop a predictive algorithm for immunogenicity based on biological mechanism. GlaxoSmithKline and Oxford University (GO) launched the PRECIsE Alliance in 2025 with the aim of conducting deep exploration of precancers to identify their molecular vulnerabilities and developing methods to intercept them. The alliance is directed by Prof Sarah Blagden and theme leads Professors Tim Elliott, Ellie Barnes and Simon Leedham. Within Oxford, the alliance spans multiple departments and networks basic science immunology and clinical development expertise as well as community engagement. This truly multi-disciplinary initiative seeks to transform cancer by actively preventing it from developing, initially in people at highest risk of the disease and later in the wider population.

Reporting to Professor Tim Elliott, you will play a leading role in the development of blended mechanistic-ML models to identify antigens and predict their immunogenicity as vaccines as part of a multi-team initiative to design and deliver cancer-preventing vaccines jointly led by the University of Oxford and GSK, and employ methods already established in the group, and to develop new approaches to integrating mechanistic and AI/ML models. Experience in a wide range of mathematical, statistical and computational methods is essential. You will be responsible for selecting and incorporating appropriate datasets to validate new computational algorithms for T cell immunogenicity, and will work synergistically with other members of the research team, sharing ideas, expertise and laboratory/research resources; and also interact effectively with collaborators both internally and at other organisations, as well as presenting data and ideas at regular laboratory group meetings, and will be required to attend national/international conferences and present research to non-specialist audiences where appropriate.

It is essential that you hold a PhD in mathematical immunology, or related discipline, and have experience of multiple mathematical modeling approaches applied to biology (eg dynamic systems, agent-based, statistical). You will also have experience of bioinformatics / computational biology as well as extensive coding experience in multiple languages (R essential). You will have evidence of scientific creativity, and an ability to contribute to determining future directions for the research project, and the ability to take initiative in developing and troubleshooting new techniques. Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask effectively, and strong written and oral presentation skills, and effective communication skills are essential to the role. Research experience in antigen presentation, with proven research skills in this field is highly desirable.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online (via the ‘Apply’ button above), and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. 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 for 2 years and is funded by GSK.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 31 March 2025 will be considered. Please quote 178631 on all correspondence.

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