Postdoctoral Immunologist

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is offering a full-time position for a Postdoctoral Immunologist. You will work on a project examining vaccine response dynamics among various populations. The role requires strong immunology background and experience with lab techniques. You will collaborate with esteemed researchers and contribute to innovative research in a respected department focused on child health research.

Benefits

Paid skill enhancement days

Financial assistance for visa renewal

Weekly exercise classes

Qualifications

• Experience with sophisticated wet lab techniques like ELISA and ELISpot.
• Familiarity with sequencing data sets from human immune cells.
• Strong interest in medical and biological collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Profile intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine response.
• Collaborate within the Oxford Vaccine Group.
• Contribute to a growing immunology-focused department.

Skills

Immunology techniques

Collaborative skills

Adaptability

Education

Background in immunology

Tools

Multi-parameter flow cytometry

RNA sequencing

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Immunologist to work on a project examining the immune response to vaccination funded by the MRC/UKRI, LEGACY04: Mechanism of early tissue responses in vaccination with mRNA vaccines (MechRNA) as part of the Lymph nodE single-cell Genomics AnCestrY and ageing (LEGACY) Network. This project involves profiling the intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine response in younger and older individuals compared with individuals on immunosuppression. As the postholder you will join the groups of Prof Katrina Pollock and Prof Teresa Lambe at the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Dr Nicholas Provine at the Pandemic Sciences Institute. You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for two years or until 28 February 2028, whichever is soonest, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. 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.

Responsibilities

• Profile the intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine response in younger and older individuals and in immunosuppressed individuals.
• Collaborate with the groups of Prof Katrina Pollock, Prof Teresa Lambe and Dr Nicholas Provine within the Oxford Vaccine Group and Pandemic Sciences Institute.
• Contribute to a growing department focused on immunology and vaccinology within the Medical Sciences Division.

Qualifications

• Background in immunology and prior experience with sophisticated wet lab immunology techniques (e.g., multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell culture, systems serology, ELISpot and ELISA).
• Some knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and other relevant next generation sequencing data sets—preferably derived from human immune cells.
• A strong interest in collaborating with medical and biological researchers toward a common goal.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to work, and willingness to collaborate. Ability to thrive on scientific challenges related to working with human lymph node tissue and to test and develop new tools and methods.