Research Assistant

Location: Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7BN

Salary: Research Grade 6: Salary in range £34,982 - £40,855 per annum. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year.

We are seeking to appoint a new Research Assistant to support Dr Matthew Bottomley on two projects. You will join the Bottomley group within the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM). Our research focuses on understanding the impact of anti-rejection drugs taken after kidney transplantation upon the immune system’s responses against viruses and cancer.

You will provide technical and administrative support to the laboratory, contributing to the progress of the project. You will have a background in medical sciences or related fields. Your primary role will be to manage the storage and cataloguing of clinical samples from an ongoing study, as well as optimisation of immune assays to evaluate the impact of two different anti-rejection regimens upon circulating immune cells (leucocytes) taken from kidney transplant recipients. With support from the principal investigator, you will design a flow cytometry panel to evaluate circulating leucocyte phenotype, and test their function against viral antigens using functional assays such as EliSPOT. Your role may involve support for other studies ongoing in the group.

You will also be responsible for maintaining, for example, cell cultures, common buffers, and stocks. Moreover, you will help place orders for reagents and consumables, maintain an updated inventory, and liaise with lab members to ensure the laboratory's smooth running. 

It is essential that you hold a BSc in medical sciences, immunology, cell biology, or related scientific areas and have demonstrable experience in laboratory support in a life science laboratory; following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies as well as experience in the preparation of common buffers. You will have excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage and catalogue large quantities of samples. An ability to manage own research and administrative activities, including the ability to prioritize and manage a varied workload in order to meet deadlines is also required. 

Applications for this vacancy should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button 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 until 31 October 2026 and it is funded by COI Core Funding and the National Institute for Health Research (OPTIMAL Study).

Only applications received before 12 midday on 4 September 2025 will be considered. Please quote 181670 on all correspondence.

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