Postdoctoral Researcher in Immuno-Oncology

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research group of Professor Ignacio Melero, MD PhD, at the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology within the Nuffield Department of Medicine.

The translational immunotherapy lab, led by Professor Melero, focuses on the development, study, and mechanistic understanding of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer. The research is primarily translational in nature, involving both preclinical models and human sample analysis from clinical trials, and is carried out in close collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.

You will be responsible for managing your own academic research and administrative activities, including coordinating small-scale projects to meet deadlines. You will adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, test hypotheses, and analyse data from various sources, refining working hypotheses as needed. You will lead the development of a research project, stay up to date with relevant literature, and maintain accurate experimental records. Regular discussions with lab members, presenting findings at national and international symposia, and contributing to publications will also be key parts of your role. You will supervise and support junior lab members, assist with grant applications, and engage in internal and external collaborative activities such as seminars and conferences. In addition, you will design and analyse mouse model experiments, apply cellular immunology techniques, and conduct preclinical studies involving immunotherapeutic treatments. You will perform RNA-seq, Nanostring analysis, TCR clonality, in vivo killing assays, and monitor clinical trial samples using flow cytometry, ELISAs, ELISPOT, RT-PCR, and chromium release assays.

It is essential that you hold a relevant PhD/DPhil in Immunology (or is close to completion), with demonstrated experience in immunology and working with primary human lymphocytes. The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as well as evidence of contributing to published immunology research. Strong communication skills are vital, including the ability to write for publication, present research findings, and represent the group at meetings. A working knowledge of bioinformatics is also essential.

One or more first-author scientific publications, experience in protein purification and flow cytometry, and additional bioinformatics skills are highly desirable. Experience managing a discrete area of a research project, collaborating on research publications.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 2 years and is funded by Michael Stanley Funds.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 22 May 2025 will be considered. Please quote 179094 on all correspondence.

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