Research Technician in Cancer Immunology

Project summary

An exciting opportunity is available to join the laboratories of Dr Ali Roghanian and Dr Salah Mansour at the University of Southampton in collaboration with MiNK Therapeutics. We are seeking a collaborative and motivated scientist to work on our newly funded programme developing next-generation, off-the-shelf immunotherapies for childhood cancers.

This 12 month project will harness engineered cytotoxic invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells for precision targeting of paediatric cancer neoantigens. Building on strong preliminary data, it combines mechanistic and translational immunology with bespoke preclinical models to define and exploit therapeutic candidates. The Research Technician will lead studies on cytotoxic T cell mechanisms, oversee preclinical validation, and advance TCR-engineered iNKT platforms optimised for immunotherapy.

The role bridges basic and translational research and suits a creative scientist with interests in tumour immunology, T cell engineering, and immunotherapy. You will join a multidisciplinary team spanning immunology, with access to advanced flow cytometry and in vivo platforms.

The funding is initially available for 12 months, with the possibility of extension to 21 months, subject to satisfactory progress.

Key responsibilities

• To work within the Mansour and Roghanian labs, and with collaborators at Southampton, LifeArc and MiNK Therapeutics.
• To design, conduct, and analyse in vitro immunology experiments.
• To lead the optimisation and functional assessment of engineered human T cells.
• To liaise and coordinate between project collaborators, including the industrial partner, and core facilities.
• To record analyses accurately and present results at group and collaborative meetings, and conferences.
• To contribute to dissemination of findings through publications and grant applications.
• Any other duties appropriate to the scope and grade of the post.

Essential qualifications, experience and competencies

• Degree (BSc or equivalent) in biological or biomedical sciences or equivalent experience
• Strong practical experience with core immunological assays (e.g., FACS, ELISA, T cell assays).
• Ability to manage projects to timelines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including at conferences.

Desirable

• Experience in engineering human T cells, viral transduction, or related approaches.

About us

The University of Southampton offers a strong environment for translational immunology. Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CES) is a hub for infection and immunology, while the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI) is the UK’s first dedicated cancer immunology centre. Together, they unite expertise in T cell biology, multiomics, immunotherapy, preclinical modelling, and clinical translation, supported by an embedded Clinical Trials Unit and close links with NHS and industry partners.

Application

Applicants should provide:

• A CV
• A cover letter outlining suitability for the role
• Contact details for at least two recent referees

Start date: May 2026 or soon after (negotiable)

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We really value all our technical staff and recognise the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.