Postdoctoral Researcher in mRNA Vaccine Manufatoring

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; Presencial; GBP 39.000 - 53.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing to join the Centre for Immuno-Oncology. You will work on the national programme developing personalised neoantigen mRNA cancer vaccines, combining AI-led target discovery, automated labs, and near-patient manufacturing.

The role involves advancing manufacturing workflows from construct design to release testing and transfer to GMP for first-in-human trials,

Formación

• PhD/DPhil or near completion in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, or related discipline.
• Experience in design, development or prototyping of mRNA vaccines or RNA-based medicines.
• Strong experimental biology skills including mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, sequencing and flow cytometry/FACS.
• Ability to develop and validate new assays and protocols; manage own research activity.
• Experience in mRNA manufacturing workflows, AI or automation, or clinical research would be advantageous.

Responsabilidades

• Contribute to manufacturing workstream from construct design to pre-GMP transfer.
• Develop and optimise lipid nanoparticle or lipoplex formulations.
• Establish assays for RNA identity, integrity, purity and potency.
• Produce quality and regulatory documentation to support clinical translation.
• Analyze experimental, genomic and clinical data and contribute to publications.

Conocimientos

mRNA vaccine development

Mammalian cell culture

Fluorescence microscopy

Sequencing

Flow cytometry

AI / automation in research

Educación

PhD / DPhil in molecular biology / biochemistry / immunology

Herramientas

Analytical assays

GMP manufacturing familiarity

Descripción del empleo

Postdoctoral Researcher in mRNA Vaccine Manufatoring

Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

The Nuffield Department of Medicine is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing to join the Centre for Immuno-Oncology and contribute to the UK Cancer Vaccine AI Scientist & Supercomputing Project. You will work within a national programme developing personalised neoantigen mRNA cancer vaccines, bringing together AI-led target discovery, advanced immunology, automated laboratories, near‑patient manufacturing and NHS clinical trials.

You will contribute to the programme’s manufacturing workstream, taking individualised mRNA vaccine candidates from construct design and in vitro transcription through formulation, analytical characterisation and release testing, and preparing the process for transfer into GMP manufacture for a first‑in‑human trial. You will develop and optimise lipid nanoparticle or lipoplex formulations, establish assays for RNA identity, integrity, purity and potency, and produce the quality and regulatory documentation required to support clinical translation. You will also analyse experimental, genomic and clinical data, contribute to publications and presentations, and act as a source of expertise on RNA handling, assay development and manufacturing workflows across the wider group.

You should hold a PhD/DPhil, or be close to completion, in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology or a related discipline, with relevant research experience. You will need practical experience in the design, development or prototyping of mRNA vaccines or other RNA-based medicines, together with strong experimental biology skills including mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, sequencing and flow cytometry/FACS. You should be able to work independently to develop and validate new assays and protocols, integrate genomic, experimental and clinical information, manage your own research activity and communicate effectively across laboratory, computational and clinical teams. Experience in mRNA manufacturing workflows, AI or automation, clinical research, or evidence of national scientific or academic recognition would be advantageous.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 30 September 2030 and is funded by ARIA.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 22 October 2026 will be considered. Please quote 189234on all correspondence.

Salary (£) : Research Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 with a discretionary range to £53,483 p.a. (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).