Senior Research Scientist in Mass Spectrometry-based Immunopeptidomics

Location: Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

Salary: Research Grade 8: £48,235 - £57,255 with a discretionary range to £64,228 p.a. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year.  

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist in Mass Spectrometry-based Immunopeptidomics with a strong interest in cancer immunology and innovative approaches for antigen discovery in cancer. You will have hands-on experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including instrument operation, maintenance and data analysis workflows. You will contribute to a research programme focused on deciphering the molecular architecture of the HLA antigen processing and editing machinery, and investigating how it shapes tumour-specific antigen presentation. Your project will focus on identifying tumour-specific and immunogenic antigens from primary tumour tissues using advanced immunopeptidomics approaches as part of a multi-team initiative to design and deliver cancer-preventing vaccines jointly led by the University of Oxford and GSK. 

You will be responsible for LC-MS/MS data acquisition and analysis, development of sensitive workflows for neoantigen discovery and maintenance of instrumentation. The role also involves managing independent research projects, supervising junior researchers, and keeping up to date with latest developments in the fields of immunopeptidomics and cancer vaccine research. 

The applicant will join the T-cell Epitope Discovery Group led by Dr. Eleni Adamopoulou, within the Centre for Immuno-Oncology directed by Professor Timothy Elliott. 

It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with hands-on experience operating and maintaining Bruker and/or Thermo LC-MS/MS platforms. Proficiency in data acquisition methods  such as DDA, DIA, or PRM, and in data analysis tools such as PEAKS, MSFragger, MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, or Skyline is also required. The ability to manage multiple projects effectively along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a collaborative mindset, is essential. A working knowledge of immunology or a willingness to learn, experience with quantitative mass spectrometry assays, and computational skills including R or Python are highly desirable. 

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date. 

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 December 2027 and is funded by GSK. 

Only applications received before 12 midday on 9 June 2025 will be considered. Please quote 179719 on all correspondence.

Advert information