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Immunologist

Immunologists use analytical and scientific techniques to investigate the human immune system and to develop new treatments, therapies or vaccines to control infections, illnesses and cancer.

The origins of modern immunology date back to the late 1800s when Edward Jenner developed a vaccination against smallpox.

Immunologist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The majority of their work is laboratory-based: undertaking original medical research; designing, planning and carrying out controlled experiments and trials; devising and testing hypotheses using appropriate analytical techniques; analysing and interpreting data.

Other responsibilities include:

writing reports, reviews, papers etc
studying relevant literature
managing laboratories
training and supervising staff
applying for research funding
attending conferences throughout the world
keeping up to date with current research within the field
collaborating and sharing expertise and research findings.

Immunologists also work with patients in hospitals - analysing patient samples to diagnose immune system abnormalities and problems, monitoring transplant patients and giving advice to other medical staff about tests and treatments.

Typical employers of immunologists

Immunologists are employed by a variety of public and private sector organisations including:

the National Health Service (NHS)
the Health Protection Agency (HPA)
the Blood Transfusion Service
universities
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

It is advisable to apply early in the year preceding entry and make speculative applications. Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by recruitment agencies and careers services, in newspapers including the Times Higher Educational Supplement, and in scientific publications such as The New Scientist, Nature and Science Magazine.

Qualifications and training required

Vacancies require a good honours degree in an appropriate life, medical or physical science. Possession of a relevant postgraduate qualification is beneficial, and normally essential for research posts. All candidates must have a good scientific background, and practical laboratory work experience.