About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Immunology to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG). The postholder will contribute to a diverse portfolio of vaccine, controlled human infection model (CHIM), and observational studies investigating the immune responses to bacterial and viral pathogens, supporting research that informs vaccine development and improves global public health.
The successful candidate will lead and support immunological analyses across multiple studies, focusing on the characterisation of humoral and cellular immune responses using a range of established and emerging immunological techniques. Working closely with clinicians, immunologists, microbiologists, bioinformaticians, and data scientists, you will contribute to the development and optimisation of immunological assays, the generation and interpretation of high-quality datasets, and the integration of immunological findings with clinical and computational analyses. The role also involves maintaining rigorous laboratory records, contributing to publications and presentations, and supporting the delivery of research within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
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.
We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.
Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.
About you
You will hold a PhD/DPhil (or be near completion) in Immunology or a closely related discipline, with sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute effectively to an established translational research programme. You will have demonstrable laboratory experience in immunological techniques to characterise human humoral and cellular immune responses, ideally in the context of infectious diseases or vaccinology. You will be able to manage your own research activities, analyse and interpret complex immunological data, deliver high-quality outputs to deadlines, and communicate findings effectively through publications and presentations. You will have a collaborative approach, with the flexibility to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams spanning immunology, clinical research, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and data science.
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. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.
Diversity
Committed to equality and valuing diversity.
To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Professor Daniela Ferreira and Dr Young Kim, using the contact details below.
Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 20th July 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.
