Research Assistant- Tumour Immunology

Location: Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant – Tumour Immunology to join the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine. The research group led by Dr Carol Leung focuses on developing novel immunotherapies against cancer, primarily through the development of cancer vaccines that aim to stimulate the body’s immune system to target and kill cancer cells. The group also studies other treatments and aspects of the tumour microenvironment that influence therapeutic responses and resistance. The role will also support related research activities linked to studies led by Prof. Anna Schuh, whose research focuses on precision prevention of B-cell malignancies, including work on the Oxplored multi-centre study of individuals with pre-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and the AI-REAL global health programme investigating EBV-positive Burkitt’s lymphoma.

You will be responsible for supporting studies on cancer vaccine development using in vivo and in vitro techniques and supporting projects in the area of tumour immunology. This will include the application of immunologically relevant techniques such as co-culture assays, FACS and in vivo tumour models, as well as cell culture and molecular biology techniques including PCR, western blotting and ELISA.

You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities, including coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. The role includes conducting original research within the context of the group, analysing complex qualitative and quantitative data, and refining working hypotheses where appropriate. You will carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, contribute ideas for new research projects and research income, and collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles, occasionally presenting papers and posters.

You will also represent the research group at meetings or seminars, provide training or guidance to less experienced members of the group, use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment, assist with the daily housekeeping of the laboratory, and undertake other duties necessary to support the efficient running of the laboratory.

It is essential that you hold a degree (BSc or equivalent) in Biological Science, Biomedical Science, Immunology, or a related field with some relevant experience. You must be proficient in in vitro techniques including cell culture and FACS analysis and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in tumour immunology to work within the research programme. You will demonstrate the ability to manage your own research and administrative activities, experience following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies, and excellent communication skills including the ability to write text for publication, present data at conferences and represent the research group at meetings.

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 March 2027 and is funded by Cancer Research UK.

Only applications received before 12 midday on Wednesday 8 April 2026 will be considered. Please quote 185475 on all correspondence.

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