Clinical Research Fellow - Gonococcal Vaccine Project

Location: Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE

We are seeking to appoint a Clinical Research Fellow to support the Gonococcal Vaccine Project at the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford. This role offers a great opportunity to develop a career in clinical academia within a world-leading vaccine research centre with a strong translational focus. You will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team working on pre-clinical and clinical research into Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and play a key role in the preparation and delivery of a Phase 1 clinical trial of GonoVac, a novel gonococcal vaccine based on outer membrane vesicle technology. The post provides broad exposure to clinical trial design and delivery, close collaboration between laboratory and clinical teams, and the opportunity to pursue a PhD or DM if desired.

You will be responsible for contributing to the design and hands-on delivery of the Phase 1 GonoVac clinical trial. You will provide clinical input into trial planning, work closely with project managers, research nurses, recruitment and data teams, and take the lead on clinical delivery. This will include screening and vaccinating study volunteers, providing medical oversight during vaccine administration, and monitoring participant safety. You will collate, analyse, and present safety data, and contribute to internal reports, data safety monitoring meetings, and discussions with external collaborators. You will also support the administrative side of trial delivery, including protocol development, regulatory submissions, recruitment materials, data management, and maintaining accurate trial documentation. Alongside this, you will contribute to funding applications, strategic planning for the vaccine programme, and take part in public engagement and training activities.

It is essential that you have a primary medical qualification (e.g. MD, MBBS, BMBCh or equivalent) with GMC registration (or equivalent body outside the UK) and be licensed to practice in the UK. You will also have substantial post-qualification clinical experience equivalent to at least completion of core medical training. You should be confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills are important, as you’ll work closely with research volunteers, clinical trial staff, laboratory colleagues, collaborators, and external stakeholders. You’ll need good IT skills and be willing to support trial activities outside standard office hours when required, with time off in lieu. A genuine interest in clinical research and vaccine development, particularly in global health, is essential for this role.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online 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 contract for 24 months and is funded by UKRI.

Only applications received before 12 midday on Friday 20 February 2026 will be considered. Please quote 184137 on all correspondence.

Advert information