Senior Postdoctoral Scientist in Vaccine Immunology Full-time NEW

Senior Postdoctoral Scientist in Vaccine Immunology

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist in Vaccine Immunology to join the Barnes Group within the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford. This role offers the chance to contribute to pioneering vaccine research programmes focused on complex pathogens and cancer, working within a multidisciplinary team that spans antigen discovery through to early-phase human studies. Based within the Centre for Immuno-Oncology and supported by Oxford Cancer infrastructure, the post provides an outstanding environment for translational immunology and vaccine development research.

You will play a leading role in the design, optimisation, and preclinical evaluation of next-generation vaccine candidates across a range of platforms including mRNA, ChAdOx, and MVA viral vectors. The role involves overseeing immunological analyses, including T cell and B cell assays, antigen characterisation, and in vivo studies, while driving the integration of computational and experimental approaches to vaccine development. In addition to scientific leadership, you will contribute to laboratory management, mentor junior researchers and students, support grant applications and publications, and collaborate with clinicians, partner institutions, and external stakeholders.

It is essential that you hold a DPhil/PhD in vaccinology and have postgraduate research experience in the development and evaluation of viral-vectored and/or mRNA vaccines. You will have strong expertise in immunology, molecular biology, immunological assays, and preclinical in vivo studies, alongside an excellent publication record and experience managing complex research projects. We are seeking a motivated and collaborative scientist with strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, who is passionate about advancing innovative vaccine technologies in a translational research environment.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 December 2027 and is funded by the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme and Medical Research Council. Only applications received before 12 midday on 1 June 2026 will be considered. Please quote 186527 on all correspondence.