Research Assistant - AVATAR

 We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Owen lab to work within the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Oxford. This pioneering project focuses on characterising patient-derived oesophageal and gastric cancer tissues as part of prospectively approved clinical trials and developing personalised models understand therapy response characteristics. This is a unique opportunity to work in a tissue-focused translational research group aiming to enhance oesophageal cancer cure in a collaborative and highly clinically relevant way.

 Your role will also involve handling and processing human tissue samples, establishing and maintaining 3D patient-derived AVATAR models, and performing a range of molecular biology and immunological assays such as immunohistochemistry, PCR, and flow cytometry. You will assist with data collection, interpretation, and the presentation of findings at lab meetings and to external collaborators, while liaising closely with clinicians, researchers, and industry partners. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with health and safety protocols, maintain accurate research documentation, and support the general upkeep of the laboratory.

It is essential that you hold a degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related discipline, and have hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. You should possess strong organisational and record-keeping skills, be comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and have excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with clinicians, researchers, and collaborators. A willingness to handle and process human tissue samples in line with ethical and regulatory guidelines is also required. In addition, it would be desirable for you to hold a Master’s degree or have equivalent experience in a relevant research field, along with prior experience working with cell culture, knowledge of cancer immunology, and familiarity with image analysis software.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026 and is funded by the BRC.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 4 June 2025 will be considered. Please quote 179039 on all correspondence.

Advert information