Postdoctoral Scientist

About the Role 

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the TGU research group at the John Radcliffe Hospital. This post is as part of a new network to understand GAS immunology – iSPY. The part of the network led by Shiranee Sriskandan at Imperial College, where the Klenerman lab is a contributor is the iSpy-LIFE subnetwork. The hypothesis tested here is that immunity to GAS builds up after repeated infections in childhood. To construct a picture of GAS immune development, samples from cross-sectional cohorts of younger children (presumed not immune) and adults (presumed immune) will be studied to determine the likely basis for immunity using state of the art unbiased immunological approaches to identify both antibody and T cell responses. This will provide insight into the likely targets of immunity that prevail.

The aim of this post is to develop novel methods to identify the subsets of T cells involved in adult immunity to GAS. This includes studies of unconventional T cell subsets and mucosal associated T cells subsets.

About You 

The post holder will lead on the design, generation and deployment of novel assays for GAS induced T cell immunity, including sequencing led approaches. You will define TCRs involved in GAS responses to allow for development of sequence-based approaches to immunity in populations. This post requires someone who can manage their own academic research and administrative activities, involving small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.

Having a PhD in human immunology is essential for this post.

You will also need to demonstrate that you have:

• Previous experience in designing, generating and analysing scRNASeq datasets in human infection.

• An understanding of T cell immunology relevant to acute infection and skills in antigen-specific T cell analyses from human cohorts using functional assays and flow cytometry.

• The ability to manage the day-to-day running of a research project. 

• A willingness to show initiative in developing and planning new strategies and new techniques and to achieve research goals.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

Having experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication and knowledge of unconventional cell populations involved in mucosal defence are both desirable capabilities for this post.

About the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine 

The Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM) is one of the largest departments of the University of Oxford and is part of the Medical Sciences Division, with responsibility for a significant part of the teaching of clinical students within the Medical School.

Benefits of working 

University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Application Process 

The post is full time and fixed term for 2 years.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 12:00 midday on 23/01/2024 will be considered.