Postdoctoral Researcher - Cancer Prevention Vaccine Project

About the role 

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Department of Oncology as a Postdoc within the Cancer Prevention Vaccine team, part of the GO-Precise alliance (PRECancer Intervention, Surveillance & Exploration). This innovative initiative, established in 2024, is a collaboration between the University of Oxford and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) aimed at identifying molecular vulnerabilities in precancers and developing targeted interventions, including vaccines, to intercept them.

The project focuses on designing, validating, and preclinically testing neoepitope-based mRNA vaccines to prevent BRCA-associated cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. 

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a pivotal role in discovering and validating neoepitopes. Working closely with an interdisciplinary team, you will be involved in processing and analysing tissue collected from patients undergoing surgery, using whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics and proteomics.  You will be heavily involved in designing and optimising assays aimed at target validation; principally through immunogenicity assays in animal models. You will also conduct experiments aimed at understanding the tumour-immune microenvironment and how it may respond to vaccination. You will supervise master’s and PhD students, and support the overall efforts of the lab. 

This post offers the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge translational cancer research within a highly collaborative environment. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Sarah Blagden, Dr. James Chettle, and GSK collaborators, and will support the broader Go-Precise alliance, which includes projects such as LungVax and discovery work in colorectal and BRCA-associated cancers. 

The position is based at the Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, and is offered on a full-time basis for a fixed term until 31 December 2027.

About you 

You will hold a PhD in a biological/biomedical/life science or related field and possess extensive experience of working in a biology or biochemistry laboratory. You will have knowledge of procedures relevant to mammalian cell culture systems, flow cytometry and immunogenicity assays. You will have prior experience of working with animal models. You will be able to work precisely and reproducibly and possess excellent record-keeping skills.

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, will enable you to engage confidently with collaborators, team members, and the wider research community. Your flexibility to adapt to changing work patterns and ability to work under pressure without compromising accuracy will be vital to the success of the project. Desirable qualifications include proven skills in data analysis and some coding expertise, as well as prior experience of working under the Human Tissue Act (2004).  

Application Process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to  Professor Sarah Blagden at sarah.blagden@oncology.ox.ac.uk. 

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. 

All applications must be submitted online via the University of Oxford's e-recruitment system by 12 noon (UK time) on 12 September 2025 to be considered. 

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

An excellent contributory pension scheme

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

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