Laboratory Technician

Location: Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU

The Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health is seeking to appoint a Laboratory Technician to join Professor Jo Poulton’s group.

This post is closely allied to the diagnostic service of the NHS funded HSS for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders Service for Adults and Children (Oxford branch). Diagnosing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome is frequently difficult and can be supported by characterising mtDNA depletion in primary fibroblast cultures. Ours is the only national service offering such characterisation. At present we use standard fluorescence microscopy, but we are in the process of automating this using high content imaging (Operetta, Perkin Elmer). We aim to validate these tests for diagnosis. Similarly, we use related methods to support the diagnosis of defects in mitochondrial dynamics (fission and fusion). Our method is able to quantify mitophagy (a type of mitochondrial recycling) and we would ideally like to develop this as a biomarker for mitochondrial disease. We thus need an experienced team member to provide technical and administrative support, and to ensure the smooth running of the laboratory.

You will have experience of working in a laboratory environment and with hazardous chemicals. You will be educated to at least A-level, or with an equivalent qualification in science. You will be able to troubleshoot problems with experiments and arrive at an appropriate solution. You will also have a strong attention to detail, with the ability to organise samples and record results in a clear and organised fashion. IT skills, good organisational skills as well as knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment are also essential in this role.

This position is part-time (7.5 hours per week) and six months in the first instance from 1st April 2026 to 31st September 2026. Further availability from 1st October 2026 onwards has yet to be confirmed. Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs. However, availability for two Wednesday afternoons per month, corresponding to the clinical service outpatient clinics is essential.

Please note that this role does not meet the salary threshold required to obtain sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa, however, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but who would be eligible to obtain a visa via another route.

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Go to https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 13th February 2026. In-person interviews are expected to take place on 20th February 2026.

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