Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ
The Nuffield Department of Medicine is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing to join the Centre for Immuno-Oncology and contribute to the UK Cancer Vaccine AI Scientist & Supercomputing Project. You will work within a national programme developing personalised neoantigen mRNA cancer vaccines, bringing together AI-led target discovery, advanced immunology, automated laboratories, near-patient manufacturing and NHS clinical trials.
You will contribute to the programme’s manufacturing workstream, taking individualised mRNA vaccine candidates from construct design and in vitro transcription through formulation, analytical characterisation and release testing, and preparing the process for transfer into GMP manufacture for a first-in-human trial. You will develop and optimise lipid nanoparticle or lipoplex formulations, establish assays for RNA identity, integrity, purity and potency, and produce the quality and regulatory documentation required to support clinical translation. You will also analyse experimental, genomic and clinical data, contribute to publications and presentations, and act as a source of expertise on RNA handling, assay development and manufacturing workflows across the wider group.
You should hold a PhD/DPhil, or be close to completion, in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology or a related discipline, with relevant research experience. You will need practical experience in the design, development or prototyping of mRNA vaccines or other RNA-based medicines, together with strong experimental biology skills including mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, sequencing and flow cytometry/FACS. You should be able to work independently to develop and validate new assays and protocols, integrate genomic, experimental and clinical information, manage your own research activity and communicate effectively across laboratory, computational and clinical teams. Experience in mRNA manufacturing workflows, AI or automation, clinical research, or evidence of national scientific or academic recognition would be advantageous.
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 30 September 2030 and is funded by ARIA.
Only applications received before 12 midday on 22 October 2026 will be considered. Please quote 189234 on all correspondence.
Contact Person: Luke Gundry
Vacancy ID: 189234
Contact Phone:
Closing Date & Time: 22-Oct-2026 12:00
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Contact Email: recruitment@ndm.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£): Research Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 with a discretionary range to £53,483 p.a. (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
