Postdoctoral Researcher

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral
Researcher to join the Malaria Group in the Jenner Institute at the Nuffield
Department of Medicine. The research groups at the Jenner Institute are
focused on developing innovative vaccine candidates against the malaria
parasite ( _Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum_ ), testing them in
pre-clinical studies with an aim to progress the most promising candidates to
clinical trials.





This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to get involved in an innovative
project. You will work in the molecular design of vaccines, such as VLP,
subunit, viral-vectored or mRNA platforms, and be involved in the early stages
of pre-clinical vaccine development exploring the immunogenicity of such
vaccine developments in pre-clinical models. To succeed in this role, you will
need to have experience working with animal models.





You will develop protocols and perform a range of experimental techniques,
such as molecular cloning, cells transfection, microbial and mammalian cell
culture, protein expression and chromatography purification, and immunological
techniques (e.g. ELISA. ELISpot, Immunostaining, WB, and Flow Cytometry), and
characterisation by different microscopy techniques. You will be gathering and
analysing scientific data from a variety of sources, including review of the
literature and data generated in-house and by the wider consortium. You will
perform research work to a high standard, produce and maintain clear
experimental plans, laboratory records, and generate reports.





It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or close to completion) in
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Vaccinology or related field, with a keen
interest in malaria and immunology of infectious diseases. You will be
responsible for managing your own research and administrative activities and
provide guidance/supervision as required to less experienced members of the
research group, including research assistants, technicians, PhD, and project
students.





You will have relevant proven wet-lab experience in mRNA biology, biogenesis,
biosynthesis, and modifications for de novo mRNA synthesis, as well as good
interpersonal and organisational skills. You will possess sufficient
specialist knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, with experience
working with DNA, in vitro transcription, RNA, and biochemistry modification
of nucleotide molecules and demonstrate the ability to design, clone, and
transfect expression plasmids and explore antigen expression in cell lines.





Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required
to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.
Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection
criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.





This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 12 months in
the first instance and is funded by the UK Research and Innovation/European
Commission.





Only applications received before 12 midday on 8 April 2024 will be
considered. Please quote **171719** on all correspondence.