Ref Number
B02-10810
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
12-Jul-2026
The post will be located at the UCL Institute of Infection, Immunity & Transplantation at the Pears Building adjacent to the Royal Free Hospital. Work within the Institute aims to translate advances in the understanding of the immune system into improved diagnosis and therapy. By embedding high quality basic and translational research programmes within a hospital environment, the Institute provides an excellent interface between science and medicine. UCL has been ranked within the top 10 universities globally for over a decade and the Institute holds a silver Athena Swan award, recognising its commitment to gender equality and to representation, progression and success for all.
Genetically engineered T cells have revolutionised the treatment of certain types of cancer. CAR and TCR engineered T cells can recognise specific tumour antigens and selectively kill cancer cells. While CARs can only recognise surface antigens, TCRs can recognise surface as well as intracellular antigens. The Stauss lab has focused on optimising TCR engineered T cells to improve their therapeutic efficacy when used to treat cancer patients.
The postholder will work in the research group led by Prof Hans Stauss. This group works on genetically engineered T cells that have revolutionised the treatment of certain types of cancer. CAR and TCR engineered T cells can recognise specific tumour antigens and selectively kill cancer cells. While CARs can only recognise surface antigens, TCRs can recognise surface as well as intracellular antigens. The Stauss lab has focused on optimising TCR engineered T cells to improve their therapeutic efficacy when used to treat cancer patients.
In this project the candidate will identify novel TCR recognised target antigens in glioblastoma. The candidate will use cutting edge engineering technologies to produce TCR constructs with enhanced functionality. Finally, the candidate will determine the rules that govern the pairing of TCR alpha and beat chains.
The candidate will have expertise in genetic cloning, vector assembly, lentiviral TCR transduction and functional analyses of transduced T cells.
The successful candidate will hold a BSc or MSc (or equivalent) in Immunology and demonstrate exceptional attention to detail alongside a strong commitment to scientific excellence.
You will be expected to work independently to identify glioblastoma-reactive T cell receptors (TCRs), evaluate novel hybrid TCRs for enhanced functionality, and assess TCR alpha/beta pairing efficiency.
Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills are essential, as is a clear commitment to collaborative research and a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
The role requires strong organisational abilities, effective time management, and the capacity to meet strict deadlines. Candidates must also be able to interact professionally and positively with a diverse range of people while maintaining thorough, accurate, and well-documented laboratory records.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details. Please also read the attached Candidate Guidance document.
All applications must include a supporting statement, telling us, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Applications without a supporting statement will be rejected.
If you have any queries about the role or application process, technical issues, or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the staffing team at [email protected].
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
