Research Scientist - T cell immunology

This role is for a Research Scientist in T cell immunology focused on understanding host immunity's impact on cancer immunotherapy responses and immune-related toxicity. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution, specifically immunophenotyping patient samples via spectral flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, and characterizing T cell receptors. A relevant PhD, extensive experience with human T cells, high-dimensional flow cytometry, and independent experimental research are required.

• This Wellcome-funded programme focuses on understanding how host immunity shapes clinical responses to cancer immunotherapy and the mechanisms underlying immune-related toxicity.
• The research will investigate the immunological and functional characteristics of T cell subsets and T cells carrying specific T cell receptors associated with clinical response or autoimmune toxicity in patients receiving checkpoint immunotherapy.
• The project builds on recent observations linking cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with the epidemiology of melanoma and clinical response to checkpoint immunotherapy through the OxCITE study.
• You will play a key role in designing and executing experimental research.
• Your work will include immunophenotyping patient samples using spectral flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, functional assays to characterise heterologously expressed T cell receptors, and molecular and cellular approaches including flow cytometry, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq and downstream molecular biology.
• You will also contribute to the development of spatial analysis approaches where appropriate.
• The postholder will contribute to new experimental approaches and research questions and have opportunities to develop their own research projects.
• You will work collaboratively alongside DPhil students, Research Assistants and Postdoctoral Researchers, coordinating experimental work and providing guidance to junior researchers where appropriate.
• This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 18 months in the first instance, with the potential for extension subject to further funding. The role is based at the MRC Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, JR Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DS.

• You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, or be close to completion, in T cell immunology, immunology, cancer immunology or a closely related discipline, with substantial experience working with human T cells, including cell culture and functional phenotyping.
• You will have extensive experience of high-dimensional flow cytometry and analysis, alongside experience designing, planning and executing independent experimental research.
• You will be highly organised, self-motivated and able to manage your research effectively, prioritising workloads and delivering results to agreed timescales.
• You will have experience analysing and interpreting scientific data, troubleshooting technical or scientific problems, and adapting experimental approaches in response to results.
• Excellent communication skills and experience contributing to scientific publications and/or presentations are essential.
• You will be able to work effectively within a collaborative research team and demonstrate initiative in developing new strategies and techniques.
• Experience of MAIT cell functional analysis, T cell autoimmunity or cancer immunology would be desirable, as would experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq, T cell receptors, heterologous expression systems, spatial analysis or patient-derived samples.
• Experience supervising students or junior research staff would also be advantageous.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• 38 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans