Research Scientist - T cell immunology

Department of Oncology, MRC Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, JR Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DS

There is an exciting opportunity to join Professor Benjamin Fairfax’s research group in the Department of Oncology at the MRC Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine as a Research Scientist in T cell immunology. This Wellcome-funded programme focuses on understanding how host immunity shapes clinical responses to cancer immunotherapy and the mechanisms underlying immune-related toxicity.

The research will investigate the immunological and functional characteristics of T cell subsets and T cells carrying specific T cell receptors associated with clinical response or autoimmune toxicity in patients receiving checkpoint immunotherapy. The project builds on recent observations linking cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with the epidemiology of melanoma and clinical response to checkpoint immunotherapy through the OxCITE study.

You will play a key role in designing and executing experimental research. Your work will include immunophenotyping patient samples using spectral flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, functional assays to characterise heterologously expressed T cell receptors, and molecular and cellular approaches including flow cytometry, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq and downstream molecular biology. You will also contribute to the development of spatial analysis approaches where appropriate.

The postholder will contribute to new experimental approaches and research questions and have opportunities to develop their own research projects. You will work collaboratively alongside DPhil students, Research Assistants and Postdoctoral Researchers, coordinating experimental work and providing guidance to junior researchers where appropriate.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 18 months in the first instance, with the potential for extension subject to further funding. The role is based at the MRC Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, JR Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DS
.

You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, or be close to completion, in T cell immunology, immunology, cancer immunology or a closely related discipline, with substantial experience working with human T cells, including cell culture and functional phenotyping. You will have extensive experience of high-dimensional flow cytometry and analysis, alongside experience designing, planning and executing independent experimental research.

You will be highly organised, self-motivated and able to manage your research effectively, prioritising workloads and delivering results to agreed timescales. You will have experience analysing and interpreting scientific data, troubleshooting technical or scientific problems, and adapting experimental approaches in response to results. Excellent communication skills and experience contributing to scientific publications and/or presentations are essential.

You will be able to work effectively within a collaborative research team and demonstrate initiative in developing new strategies and techniques. Experience of MAIT cell functional analysis, T cell autoimmunity or cancer immunology would be desirable, as would experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq, T cell receptors, heterologous expression systems, spatial analysis or patient-derived samples. Experience supervising students or junior research staff would also be advantageous.

Benefits include:

• 38 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

All applications must be submitted online via the University of Oxford’s e-recruitment system by noon on Thursday, 29th October 2026.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or member of staff will be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.