Postdoctoral Research Assistant - MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology

Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)

Research Grade 7: Salary in the range of £39,424 -£47,779 per annum (inclusive of Oxford weighting).

This is a full time, fixed term position for 3 years.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a project working to study the neutralisation capacity of human anti-IL10 autoantibodies, to understand the pathophysiology of mechanisms that break tolerance such as virus infections and to study treatments. The Medical Research Council have awarded up to £50M over 14 years for a new Centre of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) in Exposome Immunology, to be hosted jointly by the universities of Manchester and Oxford. The post-holder will be one of six centre-funded postdoctoral researchers delivering on projects that form our core research programme. They will be a cornerstone of the centre, collaborating across our three Research Pillars to generate hypotheses and data to underpin subsequent grant applications and high-profile publications.

In this role you will lead on the delivery of the assigned CoRE research project and manage own academic research and administrative activities, using initiative to drive these forwards in a rigorous, efficient and timely manner. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will be responsible for preparing working theories and analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate. You will develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researcher as well as analyse and interpret data, and contribute ideas for new research projects. In this position you will engage with the CoRE Research Pillars, attending regular meetings and seminars, and presenting project progress to foster new collaborations within the centre.

You must hold a PhD (or near completion) in immunology, or a related field together with proficiency in innate and adaptive immune cell assays such as flow cytometry and ELISA. You must have demonstrated experience in in in vivo models of inflammatory disease and a flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise. You must demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills together with excellent time management and organisational skills.

It is desirable that you have proficiency in biochemical techniques such as western blot as well as familiarity with viral infection models and immune signalling pathways.

Due to the nature of the research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, this job will require additional security pre-employment checks:

• A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check
• University security screening (eg identity checks)

Please note, due to departmental closure over the Christmas period, shortlisting and interviews for this position will take place in January 2026.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 22 December 2025. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Please quote 183820 in all correspondence.

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