The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Bioinformatician in Immune Single Cell Genomics to work on two affiliated projects examining the immune response to vaccination funded by the MRC/UKRI and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. These projects involve (1) profiling the intra-lymph node dynamics of vaccine response in individuals of Black and Asian ancestry and in younger and older adults through the Lymph nodE single-cell Genomics AnCestrY (LEGACY) Network and (2) the Immune Memory and Mechanisms of Protection from Vaccines (IMMPROVE) consortium headed by Prof Teresa Lambe OBE and Prof Paul Klenerman, which will include spatial transcriptomic analysis on tissues from vaccinated humans and animals. As the postholder you will join the groups of Prof Katrina Pollock and Prof Teresa Lambe at the Oxford Vaccine Group, at The Oxford Vaccine Group, and Dr Nicholas Provine at the Pandemic Sciences Institute.

 

The efficient development of vaccines effective against global and emerging pathogens relies on an improved understanding of the mechanisms and factors that govern vaccine responsiveness, including early adjuvant-dependent inflammatory events and variables such as age and environmental influences. Dissecting vaccine responsiveness is further complicated by the spectrum of immune cell types involved, but the advent of high-resolution profiling technologies along with developments for the use of human lymph nodes ex vivo and their in vivo sampling through fine needle aspiration present a tangible solution.

 

Please be aware, the University has introduced a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 a year (pro rata) for all staff on grades 1–10 of the main salary and grading structure which will be implemented in the September 2024 payroll and backdated to 1 August 2024. Please follow the link here for further information on the outcomes of the recent Pay & Conditions review.

 

This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

 

 

You should have a background in biomedical or quantitative science, prior experience working with single-cell RNA-Seq and other relevant next generation sequencing data sets - preferably derived from human immune cells, and a strong interest in working with medical and biological researchers towards a common goal. You must have a proactive and adaptable approach to work and willingness to collaborate. You will have the opportunity to interact with other members of the LEGACY Network and IMMPROVE consortium, including Professors Sarah Teichmann, Brian Marsden, Mala Maini, Daniela Ferreira, Mark Coles and Calliope Dendrou. You should thrive on scientific challenges associated with analysing complex immunological data sets, be keen to learn, test and develop new analytical tools and methods. You must be capable of learning and working independently and be able to train junior team members. Excellent record keeping, code and data management skills and the ability to meet deadlines are essential. You will be expected to document all work thoroughly, to provide manuscript-level reporting of final analyses and results, and to substantially contribute to manuscript writing.

 

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for two years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

 

 

The Department of Paediatrics encourages staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year. The department also has a departmental policy where staff can apply for funding or additional days for training courses to support their professional development. We also offer financial assistance of up to 20% for visa renewal fees.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

 

 

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

 

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Georgina Bishop, Executive Assistant to the OVG Senior Management Team, using the contact details below.

 

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on 21 August 2024 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

 

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.