Research Assistant in Urinary Tract Infection Biology

This is a part time, fixed term position until 31st August 2027. 

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is part of the Medical Sciences Division and is the largest European academic department in its field, running a globally competitive programme of research and teaching. Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences enables and encourages research and education into the causes of musculoskeletal disease and their treatment. The Institute provides world-class facilities for scientists in the field of musculoskeletal research.

What We Offer 

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join an interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford investigating one of the world's most common and debilitating bacterial infections: urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The successful candidate will contribute to a newly funded project supported by The Urology Foundation Innovation and Research Award, which aims to uncover how fluid flow within the bladder influences bacterial behaviour and infection outcomes. Using cutting-edge human bladder microtissue models, microfluidic systems that replicate physiological urination cycles, advanced imaging technologies, and transcriptomic approaches, this research will explore mechanisms by which uropathogens adapt to the human urinary tract.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface between microbiology, tissue engineering, mechanobiology, and infectious disease research. The postholder will contribute to the development and application of advanced human-relevant experimental models that have the potential to transform our understanding of recurrent urinary tract infections and support the development of new therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. 

About You

You will hold a Bachelor’s Degree (or Master’s) in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and/or other related discipline. You will have experience in mammalian cells/organoids/tissue culture or in experimental microbiology (including bacterial culture and aseptic technique). The ability to follow and adapt protocols, and to select appropriate experimental methodologies for a given research problem is essential. Experience in working with bacterial pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli or other clinically relevant microorganisms, as well as experience with RNA extraction, RNA sequencing workflows, or bioinformatics analyses, is desirable. 

Application Process 

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

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and must include a CV and a supporting statement explaining how you meet the selection criteria, using examples of your skills and experience.

Interviews will take place during week commencing 31 August 2026 and will be face to face/online.

Please quote reference 187688 in all correspondence.

Contact Person: NDORMS Recruitment

Closing Date & Time: 17-Aug-2026 12:00

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 6

Contact Email: recruitment@ndorms.ox.ac.uk

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