Research Assistant

Location: Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, OX1 3PS and current departmental sites in and around the Science Area and Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford.

The Department of Biology is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Mosher Laboratory. This is a full-time position, starting 1 September 2025 with an initial fixed term of 1 year.

Small RNA-mediated transcriptional silencing occurs in most eukaryotes, but is especially prevalent in plant genomes, which are extensively impacted by small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). The Mosher lab studies the impact of RdDM on seed development, particularly how the maternal somatic cells impact the developing seed. We work with a variety of plant systems and use genetic, molecular, and computational approaches. Our goal is to understand how small RNAs are produced, how they induce epigenetic modification of DNA, and the biological consequences of that action.

You will hold a degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline and will have sufficient specialist knowledge and technical experience to contribute to our research program. Experience in plant systems is not required, but good communication skills, organization, and record-keeping are essential. You will be able to work independently to move a project forward while operating in a collaborative research environment. Responsibilities of the post include conducting molecular biology experiments to advance larger research projects. Duties might include DNA/RNA extraction, PCR & agarose gel electrophoresis, protein extraction & poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis, creating recombinant DNA (cloning), plant and bacterial transformation, plant growth and maintenance, and tissue culture. You must also maintain a laboratory notebook and provide regular progress updates.

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

This post is full time (although applications to work >60% of full time are welcome) and available 1 September 2025.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 6th June, interviews are likely to be scheduled for the end of June / beginning of July.

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