Senior Research Scientist

This senior level position will be held in the Centre for Cancer Immunology at Southampton General Hospital. This is a newly constructed, dedicated research building that is the result of a significant fund-raising campaign. It builds on a 40-year history of pioneering immunology and cancer research at Southampton and represents the first dedicated cancer immunology centre in the UK. The activities in this centre span from pioneering discovery science to applied research and preclinical modelling and, crucially, onto first-in-human clinical trials and beyond. The centre houses world-class research facilities, including state-of-the-art scientific laboratories and a clinical trials unit.

The position is associated with the laboratory of Professors Ward and Ober who have recently relocated their research group from the USA to Southampton. Their interdisciplinary research program is dedicated to the use of protein engineering to develop novel antibody-based therapeutics that in the past has led to several therapeutics that are currently in advanced clinical trials. The group is also actively involved in the development of advanced microscopy techniques for the evaluation of novel therapeutics in cellular environments. Their interdisciplinary research is funded by major grants from the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and support from collaborating biopharma companies.

The appointee will oversee in vitro and in vivo cellular assays, including mouse model work and immunological assays, of the Ward/Ober laboratory. The appointee is expected to have an outstanding track record in using mouse models to assess pharmacokinetic behaviour of proteins/antibodies, and the consequences of delivering antibody/Fc fusion-based therapeutics. Knowledge of in vitro cellular assays, including assessment of immunological responses and advanced flow cytometry analyses is required. A background in expressing and purifying recombinant proteins/antibodies is also desirable but not essential. An ability to independently manage research projects is also required.

The appointee will also play a supervisory role and will be responsible for the research activities of junior technicians in related projects. The ability to train other members of the laboratory in immunological and in vivo (mouse) techniques is a requirement of the position. The overall goal of the research projects is to engineer antibodies or antibody-based proteins with modified dynamic behaviour at the cellular and whole body levels, and involves teamwork between laboratory members carrying out molecular and cellular analyses through to studies in mouse models of disease. The appointee will therefore be expected to enjoy working as a team member who plays a central role in the research productivity of the group.

A PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience with knowledge in mouse model work and in vitro cellular assays equivalent to Ph.D. level is essential. Proven leadership in the areas described above and IT skills is also required. Non-UK/non-EU citizens are encouraged to apply.

This position is expected to be one of the key long-term positions in the Ward/Ober laboratory, with the initial time period of three years being limited by the term of current grant support.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor E. Sally Ward ( e.s.ward@soton.ac.uk ) or Professor Raimund J. Ober ( r.ober@soton.ac.uk )

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.