Postdoctoral Researcher - Immunotherapy and Neuropathic Pain

Location: John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU

Anti-GD2 immunotherapy has transformed survival rates in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, treatment efficacy is limited by high-grade adverse events, in particular neurotoxicity and pain, for reasons that are not fully understood. This project, funded by Medical Research UK, aims to determine the cellular and molecular immune mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain caused by anti-GD2 antibodies. 

Your primary role will be to establish a behavioural assay of spontaneous pain in a mouse model of neuroblastoma and use this to interrogate the underlying cellular and molecular immune mechanisms evoked by anti-GD2 antibodies. You will work with collaborators to develop and test new antibody derivatives using in vitro and in vivo assays. You will also be responsible for processing and analysing blood samples collected from patients undergoing anti-GD2 therapy for neuroblastoma (Note, this not a patient facing role). 

You will join a multi-disciplinary team led by UKRI Future Leaders Fellow Dr Alexander Davies, head of the Peripheral Neuroimmunity and Pain Lab at the University of Oxford supported by experts in neurological biomarker detection (Prof Rinaldi), neuroblastoma treatment (Prof Gray), and antibody engineering (Prof Beers). You will attend termly project meetings with the team to share results and receive regular guidance and support. Training will be provided in immune-phenotyping where required. As a postdoctoral researcher you will be encouraged to mentor less experienced members of the research group, as well as gain experience in supervising MSc and summer project students including via the UNIQ+ programme. 

The Peripheral Neuroimmunity and Pain Lab is part of the Neural Injury Group at NDCN: a highly collaborative group of clinician and non-clinician researchers with complementary expertise in peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. We value teamwork and a community approach to working together in a research laboratory. You will take part in regular presentation and journal club meetings as well as attend yearly networking opportunities such as Oxford Neuroscience, Thomas Willis Day and OxPain events. As a group we subscribe to the University of Oxford Equality and Diversity policy and are committed to providing an environment where everyone feels equal, respected and safe. 

NDCN has a strong track record of early career researchers transitioning to independence with fair and transparent processes in place to support applications for grants and fellowships as appropriate for each career stage. This project provides the ideal opportunity for a preclinical researcher to gain experience leading a multi-disciplinary project with strong clinical translation. Candidates with a background in either neuroscience or immunology are welcome to apply.

Please see the below 'Job Description' for further details on the responsibilities and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.

For any queries regarding visa sponsorship, HR and the University's Staff Immigration Team will provide advice and assistance when the chosen candidate for the role has been identified.

The post is full time for a fixed term until the 30th of June 2028. 

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Wednesday 11th of November 2026 will be considered. 

Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

Contact Person: NDCN HR Recruitment

Contact Email: recruitment@ndcn.ox.ac.uk

Job Description

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