Postdoctoral Scientist

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution is looking for a full-time Postdoctoral Scientist in the Department of Paediatrics. This exciting role focuses on research related to early-life immune differences associated with vaccination outcomes and pediatric HIV infection. The ideal candidate should possess a PhD in immunology, biochemistry, or a related field, with strong research and communication skills. The position is on a fixed-term contract until May 2025, with potential for extension based on funding.

Benefits

Wellbeing resources

Weekly exercise classes

Financial assistance for visa renewal fees

Qualifications

• Previous experience and proven research skills in twin studies.
• Experience in HIV research and paediatric research.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work between South Africa and Oxford.
• Undertake immune profiling using various assays.
• Evaluate T-cell and NK cell responses in ART-treated children.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Education

PhD in immunology, biochemistry, genetics or a related subject

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join Philip Goulders Group in the Department of Paediatrics as a Postdoctoral Scientist.

The aim of this research project is to characterise the impact of early‑life immune sex differences on outcomes from immunisations such as BCG and measles vaccine and infections such as CMV and HIV. In particular, our group is focused on the mechanisms underlying HIV cure in paediatric HIV infection.

Role and Responsibilities

• Coordinate work undertaken by the group in South Africa with that done in Oxford.
• Undertake immune profiling of sex‑discordant twin‑sets including FACS‑based assays, proteomic evaluations, scRNA‑Seq and whole genome sequencing to identify epigenetic modulations of immune gene expression.
• Evaluate the impact of T‑cell and NK cell responses on time to viral rebound in very‑early ART‑treated children participating in the analytical treatment interruption trial Azaphile (PACTR202412878025175).

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 until 31 May 2025 with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the Department

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. It has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices.

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 boot‑camp 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.

Qualifications

You should have a PhD in immunology, biochemistry, genetics or a related subject with previous experience and proven research skills that can be applied to twin studies, to HIV research and to paediatric research.

Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required, as is the ability to work as part of a team.