Postdoctoral Researcher in Immune Oncology

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Cancer Virotherapy Research Group led by Professor Leonard Seymour. The research group aims to develop new treatments for cancer, notably in the field of ‘virotherapy’, using molecular strategies to engineer oncolytic viruses with improved potency, selectivity and ability to express therapeutic transgenes in solid tumours. The group champions a strong translational interface between laboratory science and clinical application and aims to identify promising virotherapy candidates to move forward for early phase clinical trial.

You will play a central role in the team, independently designing and conducting experiments in the laboratory, taking responsibility for setting up and using primary human tumour biopsies (including both liquid and solid tumour biopsies) to allow study of the activity of the therapeutic virus candidates within clinically relevant human tissues. You will take an active role in driving the project, generating ideas for future experimentation and identifying key drivers of success for the project and contributing towards the renewal of the Cancer Research UK program grant in 2024. The role will involve extensive collaboration with other members of the team and external research groups. You will also assist with the supervision of the more junior members of the research team.

The post is based at the Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ. It is offered on a full-time basis (although part-time hours will be considered) and is fixed term for 12 months.

About you

You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD/DPhil in virology, immunology, biotechnology or molecular or cell biology and have previous experience with one of the more advanced tissue culture techniques (either organoids, spheroids or primary tissue culture). You will have a robust knowledge of molecular engineering and/or immunological techniques and extensive skilled hands-on experience, together with experience with oncolytic viruses (e.g. adenoviruses, herpes viruses etc) and a high level of competency with multi-colour flow cytometry. You will have the ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment, and to supervise and educate junior co-workers. You will have excellent oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to write at a suitable standard for the preparation of written reports, publications and presentation of work at generalist and specialist levels. A demonstrable publication record of primary scientific papers is essential. Previous experience of working with whole blood leucocyte cones and molecular biology assays and techniques would be advantageous.  

Application Process

You will be required to upload a supporting statement (setting out how you meet the selection criteria), a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

Informal enquiries can be directed to  len.seymour@oncology.ox.ac.uk 

Only applications received by 12:00pm GMT on 18 April 2023 will be considered.

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