Postdoctoral Scientist

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join Philip Goulders Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Postdoctoral Scientist

The aim of this research project is to characterise the impact of early-life immune sex differences on outcome from immunizations such as BCG and measles vaccine and infections such as CMV and HIV. In particular, our group is focused on the mechanisms underlying HIV cure in paediatric HIV infection.

The role advertised  is for a Postdoctoral Scientist to play a central part in coordinating the work undertaken by the group in South Africa with that done in Oxford, to undertake the immune profiling of sex-discordant twin-sets including FACS-based assays, proteomic evaluations, scRNA-Seq and whole genome sequencing to identify epigenetic modulations of immune gene expression. In addition, the project includes evaluation of the impact of T-cell and NK cell responses on time to viral rebound very-early ART-treated children participating in the analytical treatment interruption trial Azaphile (Pan African Clinical Trial Registry number PACTR202412878025175)

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially until 31 May 2025 with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford  wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our  website to find out more about the Department.

About you 

You should have a PhD in immunology/biochemistry/genetics or a related subject with previous experience and proven research skills that can be applied to twin studies, to HIV research, and to paediatric research.

Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required as is the ability to work as part of a team.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 09 January 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.

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