Research Assistant in Immunotherapy for Childhood Cancers

Project summary

An exciting opportunity is available to join the laboratories of Dr Ali Roghanian and Dr Salah Mansour at the University of Southampton in collaboration with MiNK Therapeutics. We are seeking a collaborative and motivated scientist to work on our new funded programme developing next-generation, off-the-shelf immunotherapies for childhood cancers.

This 21-month project will harness engineered cytotoxic invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells for precision targeting of paediatric cancer neoantigens. Building on strong preliminary data, it combines mechanistic and translational immunology with bespoke in vivo models to define and exploit therapeutic candidates. The Research Assistant will lead studies on cytotoxic T cell mechanisms, oversee preclinical validation, and advance TCR-engineered iNKT platforms optimised for immunotherapy.

The role bridges basic and translational research and suits a creative scientist with interests in tumour immunology, T cell engineering, and immunotherapy. You will join a multidisciplinary team spanning immunology, with access to advanced flow cytometry and in vivo platforms.

Key responsibilities

• To work within the Mansour and Roghanian labs, and with collaborators at Southampton, LifeArc and MiNK Therapeutics.
• To design, conduct, and analyse in vitro and in vivo immunology experiments.
• To lead the optimisation and functional assessment of human T cells.
• To liaise and coordinate between project collaborators, including the industrial partner, and core facilities.
• To record analyses accurately and present results at group and collaborative meetings, and conferences.
• To contribute to dissemination of findings through publications and grant applications.
• Any other duties appropriate to the scope and grade of the post.

Essential qualifications, experience and competencies

• Degree (BSc or equivalent) in biological or biomedical sciences or equivalent experience
• Strong practical experience with core immunological assays (e.g., FACS, ELISA, T cell assays).
• Proven competence in the design and execution of experiments using mouse models of cancer.
• Ability to manage projects to timelines, supervise junior staff, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including at conferences.

Desirable

• Experience in engineering human T cells, viral transduction, or related approaches.
• Home Office Personal Licence.

About us

The University of Southampton offers a strong environment for translational immunology. Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CES) is a hub for infection and immunology, while the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI) is the UK’s first dedicated cancer immunology centre. Together, they unite expertise in T cell biology, multiomics, immunotherapy, preclinical modelling, and clinical translation, supported by an embedded Clinical Trials Unit and close links with NHS and industry partners.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Southampton recruitment system by 24th April 2026. Interviews will be held soon after.

Applicants should provide:

• A CV
• A cover letter outlining suitability for the role