Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist In Mucosal Immunology

**About the role**



We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Vaccine Group in the
Department of Paediatrics as our Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in
Mucosal Immunology.





The successful candidate will conduct research in a dynamic and highly
collaborative environment of an internationally leading research institute.
They will benefit from the institute and wider university expertise in
immunology and vaccinology.





In this position you will lead development of transcriptomic analysis across
several ongoing projects contributing to the identification of mucosal
mechanisms involved in protection and susceptibility to respiratory disease as
well as vaccine-induced immune responses.





You will also use a broad array of T and B cell experimental approaches
including ELISpot, flow cytometry, ELISA and sterile cell culture. You will
work closely with both laboratory and bioinformatic teams and will be
responsible for analysis and/or supervision of the data analyses. You will be
expected to write publications for academic journals and raise research funds
through grant applications.





You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences
Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health
research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug
development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging,
neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.





The Oxford Vaccine Group is a passionate and active research group which
conducts world-leading research into creating new and optimising existing
vaccines for children and adults. Our research has led to development and
licensure of the new Oxford/AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, by delivering and
managing global vaccine trials. We are also working on human challenge models
to advance the development of vaccines and therapeutics against several
infectious diseases.





This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2
years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is
available.





**About the department**



The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national
gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices
developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by
offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and
have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training.





In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of
Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp
sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial
assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote
physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.





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





**About you**



The successful candidate will hold a PhD in immunology or a related
immunological subject and have specialist knowledge to independently develop
research questions and conduct research on immunity induced in the context of
vaccination, natural infection and controlled human infection models. The
successful candidate will ideally have experience assessing immunity to
respiratory pathogens (e.g pneumococcus, Influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV2 and
others). Examples of techniques where you will be proficient include ELISA,
ELISpot, multiparameter flow cytometry, ICS, AIM assays and single
cell/bulk/spatial transcriptomic experiments.





Applicants will have excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to work
collaboratively and a strong publication record.





All essential and desirable selection criteria are listed in the Job
Description attached to this advert.





**Application Process**



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 Daniela Ferreira the
Professor of Vaccinology using the contact details below.





**Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 9th April 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.