Research Assistant in Micorbial Symbiosis

Location:

11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ; you may be asked to work in affiliated buildings and may be relocated to the new Life and Mind Building when it is ready

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our experiments to understand how a host protist controls the fate of endosymbiotic algae. The project involves conducting RNAi experiments over the course of 8-10 days, where the RNAi substrate is delivered via host ingestion of E. coli containing the RNAi vector. 

The successful applicant must be capable of controlled preparation of microbial cultures including regular resuspension experiments (feeding), transformation and preparation of E. coli strains, and strain archiving. You will be keeping detailed records and communicating with the team to collectively conduct these experiments. This work will include occasional weekend work (with time off in lieu of work). Additional roles include large-scale algal culture, DNA extraction, and evaluation of DNA molecular weight in preparation for genome sequencing. The post holder will also be responsible for some laboratory management roles, including ordering reagents. 

You will hold a first degree, together with some relevant laboratory work experience. You will be capable and confident at performing molecular and microbiological experiments using a range of approaches and with light microscopy approaches. The ability to manage your own research and administrative activities is essential. 

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 flexibility in the appointment is possible), fixed term until 31 December 2026 and available immediately. 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 22 August 2025, interviews are likely to be scheduled for early September. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.

Advert information