Research Fellow - Development of Therapeutics

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK seeks a highly motivated researcher in cancer immunology. The role focuses on developing engineered antibodies for therapeutic use, requiring a PhD-equivalent background with strong skills in cellular techniques. Candidates should be excited about mechanistic biology and possess high-quality publications in the field. This full-time position is available initially for two years with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• High-quality publications in cellular techniques related to immunology and/or antibodies.
• Strong scientific knowledge and work experience in relevant fields.
• Good IT skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Use mechanistic approaches to understand fundamental biological processes.
• Generate engineered antibodies for use in cancer and autoimmune disease.
• Support interdisciplinary research aimed at therapeutics development.

Skills

Cellular techniques related to immunology

Flow cytometry

Fluorescence microscopy

In vitro cellular assays

Experience with mouse disease models

Education

PhD equivalent in relevant fields

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 4 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The position will be held in the Centre for Cancer Immunology at Southampton General Hospital. This Centre builds on a 40-year history of pioneering immunology and cancer research at Southampton and represents the first dedicated cancer immunology centre in the UK. The activities in this centre span from pioneering discovery science to applied research and preclinical modelling and, crucially, onto first-in-human clinical trials and beyond. The centre houses world-class research facilities, including state-of-the-art scientific laboratories and a clinical trials unit.

The position is associated with the laboratory of Professors Ward and Ober. Their interdisciplinary research program is dedicated to the development of novel antibody-based therapeutics that has led to several therapeutics that are currently in late-stage clinical trials or approved. The group also develops advanced microscopy techniques for the evaluation of novel therapeutics in cellular environments. Their research is supported by major grants from the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and support from collaborating biopharma companies.

The appointee will be highly motivated and excited by the challenges involved in using mechanistic approaches to understand fundamental biological processes, with the goal of using this information to generate engineered antibodies for use as therapeutics in cancer and autoimmune disease. The appointee is expected to have an outstanding background, including high quality publications, in cellular techniques related to immunology and/or antibodies, including flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and other in vitro cellular assays. Experience in using mouse disease models is also desirable.

Scientific knowledge in the areas described above equivalent to PhD* level is required. The post-holder will possess relevant academic qualifications and work experience as well as good IT skills. Non-UK citizens are also welcome to apply.

The position is initially for two years. Availability of funds for a period beyond the two-year timeframe is anticipated.