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 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, which focuses on the development of preventative vaccines against cancer.
GSK and Oxford University (GO) launched the PRECISE Alliance (Pre‑Cancer Biology and Immunoprevention) in 2025 to conduct deep exploration of precancers to identify their molecular vulnerabilities and develop 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, providing expertise in spatial biology, genomics, proteomics, immunopeptidomics, machine learning, bioinformatics, preclinical validation, trial design, regulatory approval and community engagement.
Responsibilities
- Manage your own academic research and associated administrative activities, including small‑scale project management.
- Coordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
- Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports, journal articles and occasional presentation of research findings through papers and posters at meetings.
- Support studies on cancer vaccine development using in‑vitro and in‑vivo techniques.
- Apply immunological methods such as co‑culture assays, multicolour flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA and in‑vivo tumour models.
- Carry out molecular biology techniques, including PCR and Western blotting.
Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline such as biological sciences or immunology.
- Strong intellectual contribution to the research programme through developing and refining mechanistic hypotheses, designing and optimising experimental strategies, and interpreting complex datasets within tumour immunology and cancer vaccinology.
- Active role in shaping research direction through critical evaluation of results and integration of findings across in‑vitro and in‑vivo systems.
Benefits
This position is offered full‑time on a fixed‑term contract until 31 December 2027 and is funded by GSK.
Applications for this vacancy should be made online. 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.
Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday, 23 February 2025 will be considered. Please quote 184278 on all correspondence.
