At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop next-gen immunotherapies for childhood cancers.
- Company: University of Southampton, a leader in translational immunology and cancer research.
- Benefits: Access to advanced facilities, networking opportunities, and career development support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent growth potential and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in paediatric cancer treatment while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological sciences and strong experience with immunological assays required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity is available to join the laboratories of Dr Ali Roghanian and Dr Salah Mansour at the University of Southampton in collaboration with MiNK Therapeutics. We are seeking a collaborative and motivated scientist to work on our new funded programme developing next-generation, off-the-shelf immunotherapies for childhood cancers. This 21-month project will harness engineered cytotoxic invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells for precision targeting of paediatric cancer neoantigens. Building on strong preliminary data, it combines mechanistic and translational immunology with bespoke in vivo models to define and exploit therapeutic candidates. The Research Assistant will lead studies on cytotoxic T cell mechanisms, oversee preclinical validation, and advance TCR-engineered iNKT platforms optimised for immunotherapy. The role bridges basic and translational research and suits a creative scientist with interests in tumour immunology, T cell engineering, and immunotherapy. You will join a multidisciplinary team spanning immunology, with access to advanced flow cytometry and in vivo platforms.
Key responsibilities:
- To work within the Mansour and Roghanian labs, and with collaborators at Southampton, LifeArc and MiNK Therapeutics.
- To design, conduct, and analyse in vitro and in vivo immunology experiments.
- To lead the optimisation and functional assessment of human T cells.
- To liaise and coordinate between project collaborators, including the industrial partner, and core facilities.
- To record analyses accurately and present results at group and collaborative meetings, and conferences.
- To contribute to dissemination of findings through publications and grant applications.
- Any other duties appropriate to the scope and grade of the post.
Essential qualifications, experience and competencies:
- Degree (BSc or equivalent) in biological or biomedical sciences or equivalent experience.
- Strong practical experience with core immunological assays (e.g., FACS, ELISA, T cell assays).
- Proven competence in the design and execution of experiments using mouse models of cancer.
- Ability to manage projects to timelines, supervise junior staff, and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including at conferences.
- Experience in engineering human T cells, viral transduction, or related approaches.
- Home Office Personal Licence.
About us:
The University of Southampton offers a strong environment for translational immunology. Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CES) is a hub for infection and immunology, while the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI) is the UK’s first dedicated cancer immunology centre. Together, they unite expertise in T cell biology, multiomics, immunotherapy, preclinical modelling, and clinical translation, supported by an embedded Clinical Trials Unit and close links with NHS and industry partners.
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted via the University of Southampton recruitment system by 24th April 2026. Interviews will be held soon after. Applicants should provide:
- A CV
- A cover letter outlining suitability for the role
This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity. The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We really value all our technical staff and recognise the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.
Apply by 11:59pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
Research Technician In Vivo Cancer Immunotherapy in Southampton employer: University of South Hampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation in translational immunology. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth through networking, mentoring, and training. The university's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures a supportive atmosphere where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
University of South Hampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician In Vivo Cancer Immunotherapy in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Southampton or MiNK Therapeutics. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest in cancer immunotherapy. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field and the specific work being done in the labs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our presentation skills! Since communication is key, let’s rehearse how we’d present our past research or findings. This will help us shine during group meetings and interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our CV and cover letter to highlight our fit for this exciting role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician In Vivo Cancer Immunotherapy in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in immunology and T cell engineering. We want to see your passion for the role and how you can contribute to our exciting project.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your practical experience with core immunological assays and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key, make sure to include examples of how you've effectively presented your research or collaborated with others. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their ideas clearly!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through the University of Southampton recruitment system. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of South Hampton
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of immunology, especially around T cell engineering and cancer therapies. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with core immunological assays like FACS and ELISA, as well as any work you've done with mouse models.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past projects, especially in a research setting, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to your practical experience. Review your past experiments and be prepared to explain your methodologies, results, and any challenges you faced. This will demonstrate your competence and problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key, especially when presenting findings. Practice summarising your research in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you would explain complex concepts to someone outside your field, as this shows your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
