Senior Postdoctoral Immunologist

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Oxford is seeking a Senior Postdoctoral Immunologist to investigate immune responses to vaccinations. The role requires expertise in immunology and sophisticated wet lab techniques. The ideal candidate will join a dynamic research environment that emphasizes collaboration and development of innovative methods. This is a full-time position offered on a fixed-term contract until February 2028.

Benefits

Paid days for skill enhancement

Financial assistance for visa renewal fees

Wellbeing resources including exercise classes

Qualifications

• Experience with sophisticated wet lab techniques like multi-parameter flow cytometry and ELISA.
• Knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing and NGS datasets from human immune cells.
• Ability to collaborate with medical and biological researchers.

Responsibilities

• Profile the intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine responses.
• Develop new tools and methods for experiments on human lymph node tissue.

Skills

Immunology background

Wet lab techniques (flow cytometry, ELISA)

Knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing

Proactive and adaptable approach

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Postdoctoral Immunologist to work on a project examining the immune response to vaccination funded by the MRC/UKRI, LEGACY04: Mechanism of early tissue responses in vaccination with mRNA vaccines (MechRNA) as part of the larger the Lymph nodE single-cell Genomics AnCestrY and ageing (LEGACY) Network.

This project involves profiling the intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine responses in younger and older individuals compared with individuals on immunosuppression. As the postholder you will join the groups of Prof Katrina Pollock and Prof Teresa Lambe at the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Dr Nicholas Provine at the Pandemic Sciences Institute. 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 for two years or until 28 February 2028, whichever is soonest, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

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 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.

Responsibilities

To be successful in this role, you will have a background in immunology, prior experience working with sophisticated wet lab immunology techniques for example multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell culture, systems serology, ELISpot and ELISA. You should have some knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and other relevant next generation sequencing data sets - preferably derived from human immune cells, and a strong interest in working with medical and biological researchers towards a common goal. You must have a proactive and adaptable approach to work and willingness to collaborate. You should thrive on scientific challenges associated with working on human lymph node tissue, be keen to learn, test and develop new tools and methods.

• Background in immunology with experience in sophisticated wet lab techniques (e.g., multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell culture, systems serology, ELISpot, ELISA).
• Knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and other relevant NGS datasets, preferably from human immune cells.
• Proactive, adaptable, collaborative: able to work with medical and biological researchers toward common goals.
• Willingness to learn, test, and develop new tools and methods for experiments on human lymph node tissue.