Research Associate in Antiviral Immunity - London

Job Type: Full-Time. Starting Salary: 49017 - 57472 per annum + benefits.

About the role

Do you want to uncover how antiviral immune responses evolve during cancer development? We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the mechanisms driving cytotoxic T cell dysfunction during viral oncogenesis, focusing on a malignancy caused by Human T cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The role, which is funded by the MRC, will combine deep immunophenotyping, functional T cell assays and single-cell technologies to understand why a subset of HTLV-1 carriers progress to Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL), while others remain protected.

What you would be doing

You will work on a translational immunology project studying clinical samples from HTLV-1 carriers and patients at risk of malignant transformation. You will:

• Characterise antiviral CD8 and CD4 T cell responses in chronic HTLV-1 infection and premalignancy.
• Perform functional immune assays, including ex vivo killing assays, ELISpot and activation-induced marker assays.
• Design and execute high-parameter flow cytometry and immune phenotyping experiments to study immune ageing, exhaustion and activation states.
• Conduct single-cell RNAseq and TCR sequencing projects by preparing samples, analysing data, interpreting immunological outputs and validating findings experimentally.
• Analyse and interpret complex immunological datasets and contribute to manuscripts, reports and conference presentations.
• Work closely with clinicians, bioinformaticians and other researchers within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an enthusiastic and intellectually curious researcher with:

• A PhD in Virology, Immunology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range 43,863 - 47,223 per annum.
• Practical expertise in key techniques, particularly flow cytometry and transcriptomic analysis.
• The ability to design experiments, problem-solve independently and work rigorously with complex biological data.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong interest in translational and clinically relevant research.

Desirable experience includes:

• High-dimensional or spectral flow cytometry.
• Single-cell or multi-omics approaches.
• Research at the interface of immunology and cancer or chronic viral infection.
• Proficiency working with group 3 pathogens.

What we can offer you

The opportunity to work on a clinically impactful research programme addressing fundamental questions in viral oncogenesis and immune control. Access to exceptional infrastructure, including the National Centre for Human Retrovirology tissue bank, BSL 3 facilities, advanced flow cytometry and sequencing platforms. A supportive environment with strong links between laboratory science and clinical translation. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. As a member of research staff, you will have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a full-time (35 h per week), fixed-term contract for 36 months until May 2029. This job is based at the South Kensington Campus, Sir Alexander Fleming Building and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Aileen Rowan.