Research Scientist – Autoimmune Research

Immunocore; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering biotechnology company at the forefront of developing transformative medicines for autoimmune diseases. This role as a Research Scientist offers the chance to conduct innovative research, design and run cutting-edge cellular assays, and contribute to a collaborative environment focused on delivering first-in-class therapies. You'll work with a team of industry leaders, gaining insights into the drug discovery process while supporting groundbreaking studies that aim to improve patient outcomes. If you're passionate about immunology and eager to make a difference, this is a unique opportunity to advance your career in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology required, with 1 year postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Ability to design and run cell-based assays and immunology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and interpret cellular assays on ImmTAAIs in autoimmunity.
• Develop in vitro models and support cellular screening assays.

Skills

Cell-based assays

Isolation and expansion of immune cells

Immunology techniques

Flow cytometry

Protein fluorescent labelling

Tissue specimens’ dissociation

Cell culture

Drug discovery process

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

PhD in Immunology or Cellular Immunology

Tools

NFAT luciferase reporter assay

ELISA

ELISpot MSD cytokine analysis

Flow cytometry machines

Job description

Job Details: Research Scientist – Autoimmune Research

Vacancy Name: Research Scientist – Autoimmune Research

Vacancy No: VN562

Employment Type: Permanent

Location of role: Oxford, UK

Department: Autoimmune Diseases

Key Responsibilities:

1. Independently conduct and interpret cellular assays and studies to probe the effect of ImmTAAIs on immune cells in the context of autoimmunity.
2. Develop new vitro models to explore efficacy of new ImmTAAI effectors function.
3. Conduct cellular screening assays to support optimisation of ImmTAAIs.
4. Support studies to demonstrate ImmTAAIs proof of concept in vitro.
5. Contribute to the autoimmune biology platform by isolating and characterising various immune cells, participating in the generation and expansion of T cell clones, maintaining cancer cell lines and primary cells.
6. Interpret and communicate data to colleagues and peers, actively participate in team and project meetings.
7. Gain understanding of relevant literature and develop knowledge of the pathophysiology of Autoimmune diseases.
8. Contribute to routine lab maintenance and organisation.

Essential Qualifications:

• PhD in Immunology or Cellular Immunology, with 1 year of relevant postdoctoral experience, preferably in industry.

Desirable Knowledge:

• Background in inflammation and autoimmune immunology.

Essential Skills:

• Ability to run and design cell-based assays / functional assays to address key scientific questions.
• Skilled in isolation and expansion of various immune cells (CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, Tregs and monocytes).
• Experience in immunology techniques such as NFAT luciferase reporter assay, ELISA, ELISpot MSD cytokine analysis, intracellular cytokine detection and T cell killing assays.
• Experience in multicolor flow panel design and operation of flow cytometry machines (e.g. iQue Intellicyt or BD LSR Fortessa).
• Experience in design, optimize, and validate protein fluorescent labelling and signal amplification strategies for cell staining to assess therapeutic target abundance.
• Experience in tissue specimens’ dissociation and isolation of T cell population.
• Experienced in cancer cell and primary cell line culture.
• Understanding of the drug discovery process.
• High attention to detail, good time management skills and communication skills.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently.
• Capability to multitask and handle different activities concurrently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable Skills:

• Bulk or single cell RNAseq experience.
• Experience with confocal microscopy techniques.
• Peer-reviewed publications.

About the Company:

Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry’s most successful drug developers. We are creating not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.

Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients’ lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits.

Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.