"Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Immunology"

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Immunology to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) as part of the Correlates of Immunity – Artificial Intelligence (CoI-AI) Programme, a pioneering initiative that integrates controlled human infection models, advanced immunology, and AI-driven analytics to accelerate vaccine and therapeutic development.

The postholder will lead laboratory-based immunological investigations within the programme, with responsibility for independently designing, executing, and interpreting studies characterising humoral and cellular immune responses induced by vaccination, natural infection, and controlled human infection models. You will drive the development and optimisation of advanced immunological assays, including high-dimensional cellular and omics-based approaches, and contribute to defining immune correlates of protection across multiple pathogens.

Working closely with microbiologists, bioinformaticians, and computational scientists, you will play a central role in integrating immunological, clinical, and microbiological datasets for downstream AI-based analyses. The role offers substantial scope for independence and scientific leadership, including supervision and mentoring of junior researchers, leadership in manuscript preparation and dissemination of findings through high-impact publications and presentations.

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.

Please be aware that a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Microbiology (183687) position is being advertised concurrently as part of the Correlates of Immunity – Artificial Intelligence (CoI-AI) Programme. Applications will be considered across both roles; separate applications are not required.

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 in Immunology or a closely related discipline, with significant post-qualification research experience and the expertise to independently design, deliver, and analyse immunological studies using human samples. You will have strong technical proficiency in cellular and/or humoral immunology, with a track record of high-quality publications. You will be able to manage your own research activities and contribute intellectually and technically to the work of others, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Experience in translational or clinically aligned research, including work within regulated laboratory environments, is highly desirable.

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.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Professor Daniela Ferreira, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 13th February 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.

Contact Person: Professor Daniela Ferreira
Vacancy ID: 183688
Closing Date & Time: 13-Feb-2026 12:00
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 8
Contact Email: daniela.ferreira@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£): 49,119 - 58,265 with a discretionary range to £65,336 per annum (pro-rata)