Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

 

The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is part of the Medical Sciences Division and is the largest European academic department in its field, running a globally competitive programme of research and teaching.

 

The Kennedy Institute is a biomedical research centre uniquely bringing together discovery science and early-stage clinical research, to develop transformative new therapies for chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions.

  

 

We are offering an exciting and unique opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a collaborative grant to address a critical challenge in inflammatory arthritis: determining when true disease-free remission has been achieved. The post-holder will be the Oxford-based postdoctoral fellow for this collaboration working under the supervision of Prof Chris Buckley and will closely collaborate with other team members in Oxford such as Tissue Biology Lead Prof Mark Coles and Computational/Bioinformatics Lead Dr Calliope Dendrou.

 

You will lead the experimental work for Oxford which will be involved in three research areas : (1) Analyse tissue and blood samples with and without disease (2) Identify reliable predictors of biological remission (3) Investigate biological pathways that promote freedom from disease. This will involve patient bio sample profiling, optimisation of assays that include organoid formation their analysis and multiomic profiling. A highly collaborative team science spirit is essential as is the meticulous planning conduct and reporting of experiments, in compliance with the Human Tissue Act (2004).  

 

This opportunity is part of a larger strategic alliance between Oxford and Birmingham within an interdisciplinary translational research network, aiming at improving the lives of those suffering with chronic inflammatory diseases (see https://www.kennedy.ox.ac.uk/research/translational-research/atap)

 

You will be responsible for carrying out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups and for writing up experimental results, methodology and interpretation which will contribute to reports when required. You will develop, establish, and pursue appropriate analytical protocols and techniques to support research, including standardized protocols for patient sample flows. You will also regularly write research articles at a national level for peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and reviews. Present papers at national conferences, and lead seminars to disseminate research findings.

About You

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in immunology or related area with some post-qualification research experience. You will have experience independently managing a research project as well as a strong publication record and familiarity with the existing literature and research in the field. You will demonstrate evidence of having collaborated with both wet and dry lab researchers to complete a project together with a demonstrated interest in experimental medicine and immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Proficiency in conducting 10X single-cell RNAseq and conducting spatial transcriptomics is desirable. 

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote 187093 in all correspondence. 

The closing date for applications is 12pm 13 July 2026.

Interviews will take place during week commencing 20 July 2026 and will be online. 

 

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):