Postdoctoral Research Scientist in mRNA Cancer Vaccines for Paediatric Cancers

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Rottingdean; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to work on developing a personalized mRNA vaccine for a rare pediatric cancer. This full-time role at the University of Oxford involves advanced research in immunology, requiring a PhD and independent research experience. Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2025, with an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative cancer therapies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in independent research responsibilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in in vitro tumour modelling.
• Experience designing complex panels for spectral flow cytometry.

Responsibilities

• Model rhabdomyosarcoma using advanced tumour cell lines and organoid systems.
• Collaborate on experimental immunology and mRNA vaccines development.
• Validate novel peptide candidates for mRNA-based immunotherapies.

Skills

Independent research

In vitro tumour modelling

Antigen presentation studies

High-dimensional flow cytometry

Scientific communication

Education

PhD/DPhil in cancer biology, immunology, or molecular oncology

Tools

Flow cytometry

Peptide stimulation systems

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join a collaborative, translational research programme aimed at developing the first personalised mRNA vaccine for rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive paediatric and young adult cancer with significant unmet clinical need. This is a wet lab position based in the Centre for Immuno-Oncology within the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, under the supervision of Dr Felipe Galvez-Cancino. The post is part of a broader collaborative grant with Professor Bass Hassan at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, bringing together complementary expertise in cancer biology, RNA therapeutics, and tumour immunology.

As part of this role, you will focus on modelling rhabdomyosarcoma using advanced tumour cell lines and organoid systems to investigate the role of tumour-specific neoantigens, particularly those arising from translocation events and their capacity to stimulate anti-tumour immune responses. You will design and execute novel approaches towards experimental immunology and the development of mRNA vaccines for rhabdomyosarcoma, in collaboration with a team of postdoctoral scientists, research assistants and PhD/DPhil students.

A major objective will be the validation of novel peptide candidates predicted to be presented by MHC molecules and capable of activating T cells, thereby informing the design of mRNA-based immunotherapies. The role will involve the use of a range of molecular and cell biology techniques, including immunological co-culture assays, flow cytometry, and peptide stimulation systems, working closely with computational partners who will provide candidate antigen predictions from tumour RNA and genomic datasets.

It is essential that you currently hold a PhD/DPhil (or close to completion) in a relevant field such as cancer biology, immunology or molecular oncology. With evidence of a developed research career and previous responsibility for independent areas of research, you will have demonstrable experience with in vitro tumour modelling, antigen presentation studies and functional T cell assays. You will also be able to demonstrate experience with high-dimensional flow cytometry, ideally, designing complex panels for spectral flow cytometry. Excellent communication skills, including evidence of high-level scientific writing and publication is also required, given the active participation and collaboration for scientific reports and journal articles.

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 until 28 June 2028 and is funded by Alice’s Arc. The post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a first-in-kind immunotherapeutic strategy for paediatric solid tumours. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Felipe Galvez-Cancino ([e-mail]).

Only applications received before 12 midday on 1 September 2025 will be considered. Please quote 180863 on all correspondence.