Head of Immunology
Head of Immunology
Job Level: Senior Manager
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 pa depending on qualifications and experience
Deadline for applications: 18 June 2021
Introduction
OxVax Ltd (www.oxvax.uk) is a recent spin out from the University of Oxford working in the immuno-oncology space to deliver vaccines for the treatment of solid tumours. The company is based on intellectual property developed in the laboratory of Professor Paul Fairchild at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology which focusses on the directed differentiation of specific subsets of dendritic cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). In particular, the Fairchild laboratory has developed protocols for the differentiation of CD141+ dendritic cells, the so-called cDC1 subset, which display the capacity for antigen cross-presentation, known to be essential in cancer vaccination (please see the following publications for more information: Silk et al. (2012) Gene Therapy 19:1035-1040; Sachamitr et al. (2018) Frontiers Immunol 8:1935; Horton et al. (2019) Stem Cells 38:67-79; Fairchild et al. (2015) Regen Med 10:275-286).
OxVax Ltd has obtained seed investment from Evotec and from Lead Compass, a South Korean biotech venture capital firm, and will be based in the Bioescalator at the Churchill Hospital from the summer of 2021. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented research scientist to join the company as Head of Immunology during this early phase of its establishment to lead the creation and development of new tools, methodologies and technologies in support of the company’s cancer vaccine programme.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will report to the CEO and Head of Laboratory Operations to meet initial milestones required for the development of OxVax’s proprietary cell therapy product. Initially, these involve the phenotypic and functional characterisation of dendritic cells differentiated in vitro from human iPSC, the development of a range of assays to be used as release criteria for individual batches of cells and the downstream design and implementation of in vivo proof of concept experiments in appropriate animal models. Initial responsibilities will include:
· Design and implementation of assays for the characterisation of iPSC-derived dendritic cells
· Development of appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for individual assays
· Maintenance of careful written records of experimental procedures
· Data analysis and the presentation of results to stakeholders
· Preparation of written progress reports for submission to investors
· Maintaining a good understanding of immuno-oncology from the scientific literature
· Participation in fund-raising activities, such as the preparation of grant applications
· Engagement with regulatory bodies including the MHRA, HTA and NHS REC
· Maintaining familiarity with current Health and Safety legislation
Candidate will assume project leadership responsibilities, managing the technology from conception through to delivery, helping the company progress from the bench to patient clinical trials. The candidate is expected to help shape future research programmes of the company, aiming at developing a fully allogeneic off-the -shelf cellular vaccine product.
Person Specification
The successful candidate would be expected to have the following:
Essential:
· Excellent practical laboratory skills
· A PhD in immunology or a closely-related field
· Relevant post-doctoral experience
· A publication record in immunology or a related area of research
· A high level of competence in the design and successful completion of experiments
· Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
· Flexibility in working hours to accommodate occasional out-of-hours work
· Comfortable working in a fast paced startup environment
Desirable:
· Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, to enable the presentation of data to stakeholders and potential investors
· An good understanding of immuno-oncology and current trends in the field
· Prior experience of working with dendritic cells is highly desirable
· Prior experience of working with iPSC would be an advantage
Further particulars
OxVax offers a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, together with membership of a pension scheme. The successful candidate will be entitled to 30 days’ vacation per annum, inclusive of public holidays. Upon completion of initial milestones, OxVax Ltd will create an ‘options’ pool for which the candidate will be eligible. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will take up the position in July 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter. OxVax Ltd. is an equal-opportunities employer.
How to Apply
Applications should be sent by email to Marcelo Bravo CEO of OxVax at marcelo.bravo@oxvax.uk and should include an up-to-date CV and a covering letter outlining the reasons for your interest in the Head of Immunology post and the relevant experience you would bring to the position. The deadline for applications is 18 June 2021. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held on zoom or Microsoft Teams during the week beginning 21 June 202. The successful candidate will subsequently be interviewed by Dr Thomas Hanke, Board Director.