Research Assistant

About the role

We are currently looking for a new Research Assistant to join the pre-clinical malaria group within the Jenner Institute. With a strong interest in Malaria, Immunology, Vaccinology and Infectious Diseases, you will be a member of a research project funded by the EU funded UltiMalVax (UMV) Project, aiming for generating an improved second-generation Malaria vaccine using different vaccine platforms.

You will provide support in the insectary work, and the related in vivo experiment and research work including research design, methodological development, and the analysis and reporting of experimental data. You will primarily support the insectary at the Jenner Institute aiming for the assessment of new target antigens as vaccine candidates for the Malaria Vaccine Programme using some of the most advanced technologies in some of the following areas: immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, genomics and other important areas related to vaccine development. The promising vaccine candidates will be expressed using the most suitable vaccine platforms such as viral vector vaccines, recombinant proteins, virus-like particles (VLP), or mRNA. You will assist with the assessment of vaccine candidates for their safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy preclinically in vitro.

Responsibilities will include:

• Experience working with in vivo, with the ability to perform a variety of administration techniques eg intramuscular, intravenous, and intra-peritoneal.
• A strong interest in Malaria, Immunology, Vaccinology, and Infectious Diseases.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge and experience in the discipline to work within established research programs.
• Highly independent and detail-oriented, with strong technical skills, high-quality sample processing, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies.

Essential qualifications, experience and skills:

• Hold a degree in a relevant biological subject (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, etc).
• Experience working with in vivo, with the ability to perform a variety of administration techniques eg intramuscular, intravenous, and intra-peritoneal.
• A strong interest in Malaria, Immunology, Vaccinology, and Infectious Diseases.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge and experience in the discipline to work within established research programs.
• Highly independent and detail-oriented, with strong technical skills, high-quality sample processing, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies.

Desirable

• Experience in basic technologies for protein production and assessment.
• Experience rearing mosquitoes and maintaining the smooth running of an Insectary (liaising with contractors, suppliers, and clients).
• Experience of contributing to reports and articles for publication.
• Experience of working in a research team and contributing ideas for new research projects.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 5 August 2025 will be considered.

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