> Senior Scientist - Cellular Immunology London, UK - Laboratory

Baseimmune; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering biotechnology start-up dedicated to revolutionizing vaccines through cutting-edge research in cellular immunology. As a Senior Scientist, you'll play a vital role in developing innovative vaccine solutions by leveraging your expertise in T cell biology and advanced assay techniques. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your contributions will directly influence the future of vaccine development. With a focus on scientific excellence and a commitment to professional growth, this role is perfect for those eager to make a significant impact in the field of immunology and biotechnology.

Benefits

Private medical health insurance

Opportunities for career growth

26 days holiday leave + bank holidays

Family friendly policies

Pension plan

Qualifications

• PhD in T cell biology or immunology with relevant post-doctoral experience.
• Strong knowledge of T cell immunology and applied immunology assays.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate T cell functionality assays for vaccine design.
• Collaborate with the Translational Research team and mentor junior staff.

Skills

T cell biology

Cellular immunology

ELISpots

Flow cytometry

Cytokine assays

Mammalian cell transfection

Project leadership

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in T cell biology or cellular immunology

Post-doctoral experience

Tools

Cell culture

In vitro assays

High-parameter flow cytometry

Job description

Opening Senior Scientist - Cellular Immunity

Baseimmune is a discovery stage biotechnology start-up focused on revolutionising vaccines through advanced computational antigen design. Founded by the team that pioneered computational vaccines at the Jenner Institute University of Oxford, our mission is to harness the fields of data science, machine learning and computational biology within a multi-disciplinary team to redefine cross-protective and mutation-proof vaccines.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Cellular Immunologist to join the growing lab team at Baseimmune and be a core member of the Translational Research Team responsible for Cellular Immunology workflows and vaccine development. This is a lab-based role that requires a combination of scientific and technical expertise in the field of cell immunology and T cell biology, including MHC antigen processing and TCR function. The role offers the opportunity to work in an innovative and fast-paced research environment, in a growing biotechnology company, where your contributions will directly impact and shape the development of groundbreaking vaccines.

You will provide and apply your cellular immunology expertise to the design, validation, optimisation and execution of cell-based assays required to evaluate our innovative antigen design platforms and characterise T cell responses (quantitatively, qualitatively and functionally) from immunised animal models. You will actively participate in the execution of translational research, design and lead programmes, contribute to strategy and design of the pipeline, and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge of T cell immunology and should be confident in a range of applied immunology assays, including ELISpots, flow cytometry, T-cell activation assays, cytokine assays and mammalian cell transfection/transduction.

Location

London-based Laboratory

Full time, permanent

Opportunity for fully-remote or hybrid working style

Key Responsibilities

• Development of robust testing platforms to inform and validate antigen design for T cell responses, MHC I and MHC II-mediated presentation and vaccine design.
• To conceptualise, design, develop and execute T cell-based functionality assays using primary cells, cell lines, etc; to determine and characterise T cell activation and phenotype following immunisation as part of our preclinical evaluation pipeline; including at least some of the following: ELISpots, T-cell expansion assay, CTL assays, cytokine secretion/expression and flow cytometry assays. Proficiency in the execution and development of IFN-γ ELISpots from primary T cells is expected.
• Cell culture (propagation, isolation, banking and characterisation) of cell lines and primary cells, including processing of immune tissues.
• Collaborating effectively with other functions within the Translational Research team to support and assist their research activities as needed (according to your experience and/or following adequate training and supervision), including supporting the training and mentoring of junior research staff.
• Maintain detailed records and analysis of experimental procedures, observations, and results in compliance with data integrity procedures and contribute to the preparation of study reports and presentations in a timely and accurate manner.
• Contribute to good laboratory principles, health and safety practices in the lab, including routine cleaning, maintenance, housekeeping responsibilities, as well as writing and reviewing of risk assessments and SOPs as needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• A PhD in T cell biology or cellular immunology with at least 2 years of relevant post-doctoral experience in academia and/or industry; OR a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. immunology) with equivalent T-cell experience gained in academia or industry post-PhD.
• Hold a Home Office Personal Licence, PIL A-C with rodents OR willingness to obtain one and work with in vivo models.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Experience in T cell biology (e.g. activation, TCR function, differentiation, cytokine secretion, cytotoxicity, etc), and development and optimisation of analytical and functional cell-based assays to assess activation, potency, etc.
• Experience in in vitro and ex vivo assays to assess cellular immune responses in human and/or animal T cells, including IFN-γ ELISpots, cytokine production, cell expansion, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and CTL assays.
• Experience with handling, manipulation, and characterisation of T cells (primary, cell lines, IPSC-derived).
• Experience with high-parameter flow cytometry based-assays.

Leadership and Soft Skills

• Experience leading projects under limited supervision, and co-ordinating the work of other team members.
• Team-oriented personality, able to build strong relationships in a diverse environment, work effectively as part of a collaborative team, but also execute tasks independently when needed.
• Able to ensure reproducible and transferable work through appropriate procedures and documentation.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and thrives in a team environment with a flexible approach to working and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, across different projects and areas.
• Effective communication skills with the confidence and judgement to challenge appropriately.
• Analytical and ambitious personality, able to proactively apply knowledge, structured problem-solving skills, and creative thinking in driving the project forwards and helping others.
• A can-do attitude and excellent attention to detail, organisation and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with handling, manipulation and characterisation of other immune cells (primary, cell lines, IPSC-derived).
• Experience in cell and molecular biology techniques including cloning, DNA amplification in bacteria, transfection, etc.
• Hands-on experience in design, production, characterisation and use of lentiviral vectors.
• Experience with CRISPR based editing technology to generate stable cell lines (KO and/or KI).
• Experience in TCR and/or MHC engineering.
• Direct hands-on laboratory experience in testing and developing of biologics or vaccines, or within the field of infectious diseases.
• Experience in developing multicolour flow cytometry assays applied to immunophenotyping.

What we offer

• Central London location for lab and office
• Private medical health insurance
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• 26 days holiday leave + bank holidays
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay
• Pension plan

Disclaimer: Please note that Baseimmune does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply and regret that we are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship currently.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

Apply

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter highlighting your expertise that makes you suitable for this role and why you want to join Baseimmune. Submit your application either via LinkedIn or email (please include in the subject your full name and vacancy you are applying for).

London BioScience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London, NW1 0NH