Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Cancer Immunology - UOD2025

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Assistant with a strong interest in cancer T cell immunology to join the Antigen Discovery Group at the University of Dundee.

The group, led by Professor Nicola Ternette, aims to uncover the molecular architecture of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) processing and presentation machinery and explore how it shapes T cell recognition. You will be part of a vibrant research team at the forefront of tumour antigen discovery and immunotherapy development.

This CRUK-funded project focuses on identifying targetable T cell antigens in early-stage mesothelioma, with the goal of developing a novel vaccination approach to prevent disease onset in high-risk individuals. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow.

Your role will involve processing human cell and tissue samples using standard lysis, immunoprecipitation, chromatography, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) workflows. You will also play a key role in data analysis and interpretation, contributing to the generation of high-quality, cutting-edge datasets that inform translational immunotherapy research.

This position is central to the Antigen Discovery Laboratory and offers opportunities to develop your own research ideas while collaborating with world-class scientists across Scotland.

Your priorities will include:

• Manage the laboratory and ordering consumables required for experimental sample processing
• Manage your own schedule in the laboratory including sample preparation and cell cultures.
• Lead advanced MS data analysis using existing software packages and integration of further analysis tools into existing pipelines available in the group
• Oversee the generation of proteomic and immunopeptidome datasets from cells and primary human tissue samples and apply scientific techniques and experimental protocols in the context of internal and external collaborations
• Keep up to date with latest developments in the field including the participation in national and international conferences.
• Support the writing of research reports and articles for publication in national and international peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and/or reviews.
• Agree clear task objectives and coach other members of the group on specialist methodologies or procedures.
• Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Department and the University.
• Undertake mandatory training as required by the University, Division and Department.

Who we’re looking for:

• A PhD degree in biology, biochemistry or related discipline or a Master’s degree with considerable bench laboratory experience
• Experience with the analysis of proteomics data
• Standard cell culture, wet laboratory experiments, immunoprecipitation and chromatography techniques;
• Basic understanding of immunology principles and T cell recognition.

For further information about this position please contact nternette001@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more visit

www.dundee.ac.uk/people/nicola-ternette.

Commitment to DORA

The School of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors.

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