Clinical Trials Research Assistant

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Trials Research Assistant in Professor Simon Draper’s group, within the Department of Paediatrics, working on development of malaria vaccines. For the last fifteen years the Draper Lab has been conducting Phase Ia and IIa clinical trials to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity, including experimental malaria challenge studies to test vaccine efficacy in UK adults. We are now also collaborating with sites across Africa to deliver Phase Ib and Phase IIb efficacy studies.

The role will primarily involve running quantitive PCR based assays to detect malaria parasite levels in clinical trial samples, including running daily samples to monitor parasite levels in participants during controlled human malaria infection studies. The position would also include support of ongoing clinical trial activities including sample processing, general lab duties (maintaining supplies, consumables and instruments); preparing reagents; cataloguing frozen samples; and some data analysis.

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 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.

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

This is a full-time post, funded by the Calleva Foundation in the first instance and is based at the DCHB, in the Department of Paediatrics.

About you

We are looking for a motivated individual with a relevant degree in the area of biomedical science or a similar related field. Previous experience of working with human samples in a laboratory environment and with human sample databases (or similar) is desirable. Practical experience with qPCR, laboratory stock management (or similar), and in Containment Level 3 would be additionally advantageous. This role will require you to be highly organised, and to be able to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with other team members. You will 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.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dr Francesca Donnellan at francesca.donnellan@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 1 September 2026 will be considered. Interviews are likely to be scheduled for 21 September 2026 

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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