Senior Postdoctoral Immunologist

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford's Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics invites applications for a Senior Postdoctoral Immunologist. This fixed‑term, 2‑year role supports immune profiling studies funded by MRC/UKRI across LEGACY projects.

You will lead wet-lab immunology work (flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, cell culture, scRNA‑seq), manage data and budgets, contribute to manuscripts, and supervise junior staff. A PhD/DPhil with a strong publication record is required.

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil and post-qualification research experience with a strong publication record.
• Specialist knowledge in immunology and vaccinology.
• Proven technical skills including cell culture, ELISpot, ELISA, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills with ability to plan and manage a research project including budgeting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work in a demanding research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and pursue immunological protocols and techniques to support the research.
• Lead wet-lab immunology work including multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA and scRNA-seq.
• Maintain records and data management; contribute to manuscript reporting.
• Support training of junior team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative skills

Grant writing

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD/DPhil in immunology or vaccinology

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISpot

ELISA

Cell culture

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Job description

Department of Paediatrics, Oxford Vaccine Group, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Senior Postdoctoral Immunologist.

You will play an important role in projects examining the immune response to vaccination funded by the MRC/UKRI, across the LEGACY studies (currently LEGACY01-LEGACY04) as part of the larger Lymph nodE single-cell Genomics AnCestrY and ageing (LEGACY) Network in Lymph Node Research UK. These projects involve profiling the intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine responses in younger and older individuals compared with individuals on immunosuppression.

You will be responsible for developing and pursuing appropriate immunological protocols and techniques to support the research, using sophisticated wet-lab immunology techniques including multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell culture, systems serology, ELISpot, ELISA and single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq). You will work independently, maintain excellent records and data management, contribute to manuscript-level reporting and writing, and support the training of junior team members.

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. You will join the group of Prof Katrina Pollock at the Oxford Vaccine Group and have the opportunity to interact with other members of the LEGACY Network and the Immune Memory and Mechanisms of Protection from Vaccines (IMMPROVE) consortium, led by Prof Teresa Lambe and Prof Paul Klenerman.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship for a Global Talent visa under current UK and Immigration legislation. Further details of the chosen candidate will be required before this can be determined, so advice and assistance will be provided when/if they are chosen for the role.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

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 healthcare and wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp 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.

About you

You will have a relevant PhD/DPhil, supplemented by relevant post-qualification research experience and a strong publication record. You will have specialist knowledge in immunology and vaccinology, with proven technical skills including cell culture, ELISpot, ELISA, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. You will have excellent analytical and quantitative skills, the ability to independently plan and manage a research project including a research budget, and the ability to raise research funds through grant applications. You will also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work effectively in a demanding research environment.

Salary (£) : 49,119- 58,265 per annum (with a discretionary range to £63,489 per annum)