Research Associate in HIV Vaccinology funded by the Gates Foundation

DC targeted ’stealth’ vaccine for HIV

ref. W1/MCE/674/06-ID

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position within the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Diseases. The work is to investigate the use of novel dendritic cell targeted ‘stealth’ adenoviral vectors as a vaccine candidate for HIV. The project will explore both the fundamental immunobiology of dendritic cell interactions with the vector and also the impact of vaccination with this new vector on the functional quality and persistence of antigen specific CD8 T cells in transgenic and non-transgenic mice. The project forms part of a multidisciplinary international consortium funded by a prestigious award from the Gates Foundation to develop recombinant adenovirus vectors for HIV vaccination strategies. This is a new post and available immediately.

Applicants should have a PhD qualification in Immunology or a related discipline. The successful applicant will have experience and skills in cellular immunology, preferably in murine systems. Experience in flow cytometry, the preparation, use and validation of viral vectors would be an asset, as would a current UK Home Office license. Applicants will need to demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for scientific research, a high level of self motivation, a methodological approach to scientific research including an ability to take innovative and creative approaches to problem solving and possess excellent communication skills. In addition, applicants should have a record of scientific publication and be able to report research data to both scientific and lay audiences.

The successful applicant will join a group with a strong international reputation, working at the forefront of dendritic cell immunobiology and vaccine design in a 5* HEFCE-rated department, located in one of Europe’s leading Centers for Biomedical Research (visit www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/medicine/about/ 2005/2006 review)

The appointment will be renewable annually until 30th November 2011 under the terms of the Gates Foundation Award. Salary range on the RA1A salary scale is £20,851 - £31,211 plus £2,323 London Allowance per annum.

For informal enquiries tel. Dr Klavinskis + 44 (0) 20 718 80151,

email

For an application pack please see our website at www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs or email Alternatively send a large self -addressed envelope to the Human Service Resources, Capital House, Fourth Floor, 42 Weston Street, London, SE1 3QD quoting reference no. W1/MCE/674/06-ID

Closing date: 30 March 2007 Equality of opportunity is College policy