Research Assistant

Location:

Department of Engineering Science, The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES 

Project Overview

This post is a highly multi-disciplinary effort between biology and engineering groups at the University of Oxford to advance cell-based assays at the microscale. The post holder will be a member of a research group with responsibility for development of automation and software to advanced cell-based assays. You will report to the engineering lead.   

About the role

The project will aim to develop software and automation (robotics and control) to enable microscale cell-based assays to be undertaken efficiently within micro-titre plates. The candidate will work with other team members to design relevant biological workflows. The candidate will then be responsibility for the design and delivery of these workflows in an automated manner for use by biological collaborators. 

About you

The project is a collaboration between an engineering group with expertise in fluid walls, microfluidics and automation and a biology group (DPAG) with expertise in iPSCs and neurons. These groups have worked together for approximately 3 years, and an example open access publication can be found here. DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LC00107A   

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include: 

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education.  
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries. 

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references. 

The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 12 months.  

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 29 August 2025.  

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Edmond Walsh: edmond.walsh@bnc.ox.ac.uk    

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/ 

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

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology. 

Advert information