Postdoctoral Scientist in T Cell immunology & Infectious Diseases (Maternity cover)

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

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist for T Cell Immunology and Infectious Diseases. This full-time role involves research on T cell responses to infectious diseases, supervising students, and developing assays for vaccine immunogenicity. Candidates should have a PhD/DPhil and extensive lab experience. The position is funded by Wellcome and runs until September 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil must be completed or nearing completion.
• Extensive wet lab experience in cellular immunology required.
• Strong skills in data analysis are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage academic research and administrative activities.
• Develop experimental protocols and analyze scientific data.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects and support income generation.

Skills

Extensive wet lab experience in cellular immunology

Multi-parameter flow cytometry

T-cell subset analysis

Cell culture

ELISpot assays

Data analysis using relevant software tools

Education

PhD/DPhil in T Cell Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Job description

Postdoctoral Scientist – T Cell Immunology and Infectious Diseases (Maternity Cover)

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Scientist in T Cell Immunology and Infectious Diseases (Maternity Cover). Reporting to the Principal Investigator, Susanna Dunachie, you will contribute to research on T cell responses to infectious diseases and vaccines, including SARS-CoV-2, RSV, H5N1 influenza, and bacterial infections. You will join the Tropical Immunology Research Group, where you will provide guidance and day-to-day supervision to DPhil students, research assistants, and visiting students. The post sits within the Wellcome-funded SEACOVARIANTs consortium, working with collaborators in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, under the oversight of Professor Dunachie and Senior Immunologist Dr Barbara Kronsteiner-Dobramysl. A major focus of the role will be the development of scalable T cell assays for measuring vaccine immunogenicity in resource-limited settings, with much of the six-month period expected to be dedicated to finalising an assay currently in development.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for managing your own academic research and administrative activities, including small-scale project management to coordinate different aspects of work and ensure deadlines are met. You will adapt and develop experimental protocols, test hypotheses, analyse scientific data, and refine working hypotheses as needed. You will contribute ideas for new research projects, support income generation by developing proposals, and collaborate on scientific reports and journal articles. You will also present findings through papers, posters, and external seminars, representing the group independently and alongside colleagues. Additional responsibilities include training team members and students, advising on scientific protocols and techniques, and working closely with collaborators in the SEACOVARIANTs consortium, which may include travel within the partner countries.

Qualifications

It is essential that you hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in T Cell Immunology and Infectious Diseases. You will need extensive wet lab experience in cellular immunology, including multi-parameter flow cytometry, T-cell subset analysis, cell culture, and ELISpot assays. Experience in developing novel whole blood T cell assays and strong skills in data analysis using relevant software tools are also essential. You will be highly organised with strong attention to detail, an excellent team player, and have a proven track record of contributing to publications and oral presentations.

Contract and Funding

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 1 September 2026 and is funded by Wellcome.