Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Cancer VaccinologyUniversity

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join us at the Oxford Centre for Immuno- Oncology. The research group led by Dr Carol Leung at the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology focuses on developing novel immunotherapies against cancer, primarily on developing cancer vaccines that aim to stimulate the body's immune system to target and kill cancer cells. This project is part of the GO-PRECISE program, focuses on the development of preventative vaccines against cancer. We are seeking a passionate and motivated individual to join our team to contribute to cutting-edge cancer vaccine research. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative, translational research within a collaborative and dynamic setting. You will work closely with scientists and industry collaborators to drive forward this ambitious research programme.

GSK and Oxford University (GO) launched the PRECISE Alliance (Pre-Cancer Biology and Immunoprevention) in 2025 with the aim of conducting deep exploration of precancers to identify their molecular vulnerabilities and developing methods to intercept them. The alliance is directed by Prof Sarah Blagden and theme leads Professors Tim Elliott (immune-oncology), Ellie Barnes (immunoprevention) and Simon Leedham (precancer discovery). Within Oxford, the alliance spans multiple departments and networks basic science (including spatial biology, genomics, proteomics, immunopeptidomics), immunology (including machine learning, bioinformatics, preclinical validation) and clinical development (including trial design and delivery and regulatory approval) expertise as well as community engagement. This truly multi-disciplinary initiative seeks to transform cancer by actively preventing it from developing, initially in people at highest risk of the disease and later in the wider population.

You will be responsible for managing your own academic research and associated administrative activities, including small scale project management. You will coordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present research findings through papers and posters at meetings.

Applicants must hold a PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) at the time of appointment, in a relevant discipline such as biological sciences or immunology. You will contribute intellectually to the research programme by developing and refining mechanistic hypotheses, designing and optimising experimental strategies, and interpreting complex datasets within the context of tumour immunology and cancer vaccinology. You will play an active role in shaping research direction through critical evaluation of results and integration of findings across in vitro and in vivo systems.

You will support studies on cancer vaccine development using in vivo and in vitro techniques. Specifically, you should have experience with immunological methods such as co-culture assays, multicolour flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA, and in vivo tumour models. Additionally, familiarity with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, and Western blotting, is essential.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 December 2027 and is funded by GSK.

Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday, 23 February 2025 will be considered. Please quote 184278 on all correspondence.

£39,424 to £47,779. Research Grade 7: with a discretionary range to £53,483 p.a. (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).