Job Description

About the role

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.

About you

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.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

Diversity

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Katrina Pollock, the MRC Clinician Scientist, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Tuesday 21st October will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.