Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Immuno-Oncology

at  University of Oxford

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Immuno-Oncology join the research group of Dr David Withers, who is joining the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine. The Withers Lab has an established track record investigating the regulation of adaptive immune responses in vivo, pioneering novel models to support mechanistic insight.
The position is part of a newly awarded Cancer Research UK Discovery Research Programme, focused on deciphering tissue-specific mechanisms that impede the anti-tumour T cell response in colorectal cancer.
This project will investigate how the immune landscape of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer is altered by targeting mechanisms that suppress the T cell response, such as TGFb. Specifically, the research will focus on whether defects in innate cell support undermine the anti-tumour T cell response in primary disease. Understanding how this then feeds into the impaired control of metastatic disease is the secondary objective.
The appointed researcher will be responsible for helping setup the Withers Lab in the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology and developing the research programme. You will be tasked with testing hypotheses and analysing scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate as well as adapting existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols. You will be representing the lab by presenting your research findings at national and international symposia and collaborating in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
It is essential that you have a relevant PhD/DPhil (or close to completion) in Immunology or Biomedical Sciences along with relevant experience in immunology/cancer immunology including the study of adaptive immune responses (e.g. T cells). You will have a willingness to engage with and support junior lab members to help foster a nuturing lab environment and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Finally, you will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.
This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 4 years and is funded by the CRUK
Only applications received before 12 midday on 1 July 2024 will be considered. Please quote 172982 on all correspondence

Please refer the Job description for details