Research Assistant

Location: Draper Lab, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building (DCHB), Sherrington Road, Oxford

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity in the Department of Paediatrics, for a Research Assistant working on the preclinical development of malaria vaccines and antibody therapeutics. The role will be varied and provide core support to the research group led by Prof Simon Draper, in particular assisting with sterile cell culture, cloning, protein vaccine production and high-throughput antibody production and characterisation.

You will be supporting the general protein/antibody work within the group, which includes general lab duties (maintaining supplies, consumables and instruments); preparing reagents; cataloguing frozen samples; and some data analysis. This will require you to be highly organised, have good interpersonal skills and be able to interact productively and collaboratively with other team members.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially until 31 March 2027 with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. 

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

About you

We are looking for a motivated individual with a relevant degree in the area of biomedical science or a similar related field. You will be highly organised, have good interpersonal skills and be able to interact productively and collaboratively with other team members. Proven experience in a laboratory environment, good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential. 

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Kirsty McHugh, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 23 September 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage. 

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