Academic Research Leader - Immunology & Structural Biology

About the Role

We are seeking an internationally recognised research leader in immune function and structural biology to join the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit (TIDU) at the University of Oxford.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide intellectual and strategic leadership in a world-leading research environment, establishing an ambitious programme of research focused on understanding the molecular and structural mechanisms that govern immune recognition, signalling and cellular responses.

You will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Unit's research capabilities in immune signalling and structural biology, bringing together structural, molecular and cellular approaches to advance our understanding of immune function and dysfunction. Your research will focus on identifying molecular interactions, receptor-mediated processes and signalling pathways that offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

As an established research leader, you will develop and lead an internationally competitive research programme, secure significant external funding and build interdisciplinary collaborations across the University and with national and international academic, clinical and industry partners.

You will contribute to the wider academic leadership of the department, providing mentorship and supervision to researchers and students, supporting research strategy and promoting scientific innovation. Through high-impact publications, pioneering methodologies and collaborative research, you will enhance the Unit's international standing and help translate fundamental immunological discoveries into potential clinical and therapeutic applications.

This post is part-time (0.2 FTE, 7.5 hours per week) and fixed term for 7 years in the first instance.

About You

To be considered for this position, you should

Be an internationally recognised authority in innate immunology, with an outstanding reputation for research excellence and intellectual leadership.

Have an exceptional record of high-impact publications in prestigious international journals, including as first and corresponding author.

Demonstrate significant experience in developing and leading ambitious research programmes and managing multidisciplinary research teams.

Have a successful track record of securing and managing substantial external research funding.

Possess the expertise and vision to develop innovative research approaches and advance understanding of immune signalling and molecular mechanisms.

Demonstrate the ability to establish productive interdisciplinary collaborations and influence research direction at national and international levels.

Have an excellent reputation for academic supervision, mentoring and teaching.

We would particularly welcome candidates with expertise in structural immunology, including immune receptor recognition, antigen presentation and the molecular mechanisms underlying immune cell function. Experience of integrating structural and molecular approaches, translating fundamental discoveries towards therapeutic applications, and developing successful partnerships with clinical or industry collaborators would be highly advantageous.

Recognition through prestigious research awards, international scientific leadership, intellectual property development or contributions to major collaborative research networks would also be desirable.

About the Radcliffe Department of Medicine

The Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) within the Medical Sciences Division is one of the largest departments in the University of Oxford. RDM is a multi-disciplinary department which aims to tackle some of the world’s biggest health challenges by integrating innovative basic biology with cutting edge clinical research.

Benefits of working

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

An excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

A comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

See Staff benefits for more information.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV 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 more information and advice on how to write an effective supporting statement.

Only applications received before 12:00 midday on Monday 09/11/2026 will be considered.