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.