Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Immunology

Location: Churchill Hospital, Oxford

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Immunology to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), contributing to a diverse portfolio of research focused on understanding immune correlates of protection following vaccination, natural infection, and controlled human infection models. Working across the Correlates of Immunity Programmes, you will contribute to internationally recognised research that combines advanced immunology with systems biology and AI-driven analytics to accelerate vaccine development and improve global public health.

The postholder will lead laboratory-based immunological investigations, independently designing, conducting, and interpreting studies to characterise humoral and cellular immune responses using human samples. You will develop and optimise advanced immunological assays, including high-dimensional cellular and omics-based approaches, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate immunological, clinical, and microbiological datasets for downstream computational and AI-enabled analyses.

This role offers substantial scope for scientific independence, innovation, and leadership. You will supervise and mentor junior researchers, contribute to collaborative grant applications and research strategy, publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and present research at national and international conferences. Working alongside leading immunologists, microbiologists, bioinformaticians, and clinical researchers, you will help generate new insights into protective immunity that inform the development and evaluation of next-generation vaccines and immunotherapies.

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. The Oxford Vaccine Group is a world-leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development working with a diverse portfolio funded by industry, government and charitable organisations.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department 

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.

About you 

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in Immunology or a closely related discipline, with significant post-qualification research experience and the expertise to independently design, deliver, and analyse immunological studies using human samples. You will have strong technical proficiency in cellular and/or humoral immunology, with a track record of high-quality publications. You will be able to manage your own research activities and contribute intellectually and technically to the work of others, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Experience in translational or clinically aligned research, including work within regulated laboratory environments, is highly desirable.

Application Process 

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 31 July 2026 will be considered.

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