Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroimmunology

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p></p><div>We are looking for a <strong>Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroimmunology</strong> to join&#160;the Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group (OANG), within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN).</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The OANG have described the clinical and immunological features of patients with autoantibody-mediated diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Often, these patients show highly distinctive clinical characteristics that closely associate with antigen-specific autoantibodies, including those binding to NMDA receptors, LGI1 and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) amongst other antigenic targets.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>In many cases, it is clear that the autoantibodies are directly pathogenic. However, there is emerging evidence that T cells and other non-B cell components of the immune system are important in the immunopathogenesis of these conditions. For example, LGI1 antibody encephalitis has one of the strongest MHC associations in human disease. Neuropathology studies have demonstrated a key role for T cells in neuronal damage in GAD antibody-associated CNS disorders.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>You will be reporting to Dr Adam Handel, who&#160;runs a national referral clinic for patients with autoimmune encephalitis. As part of this clinic, patients frequently contribute to research through the donation of multiple different types of samples, including blood, cerebrospinal fluid and lymph node aspirates.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The post-holder will investigate the dynamic role of T cells in several different autoantibody-associated CNS disorders through the integration of functional and single cell sequencing data across multiple disease-relevant compartment.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Dr Handel has recently been awarded an MRC New Investigator Award for 3 years to investigate T cells in autoimmune encephalitis. OANG has been very successful in attracting excellent scientists and clinical academics, and so there would be ample opportunities for the post-holder to contribute to many other projects as well as leading his/her own project within the group.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The successful candidate will hold&#160;a PhD / DPhil in a relevant scientific subject (the qualification can be held or submitted for examination/nearing completion by the time of starting the post) as well as be able to show demonstrable experience in immunology or autoimmune disease. They will also have expertise in cellular or molecular biology, experience with research and the ability to apply statistical methods to address biological questions. Experience on T cell functional or antigen specific assays is desirable.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Please see the below 'Job Description' for further details on the responsibilities and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>This post is full time and fixed term for 2 years.</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Only applications received before 12pm midday on 23rd October 2023 will be considered.</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.</strong></div> </div>