Research Assistant in Lymphoid Tissue Metabolism

This is a fixed term position until 31st March 2028. 

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. Kennedy: The Kennedy Institute is a biomedical research centre uniquely bringing together discovery science and early-stage clinical research, to develop transformative new therapies for chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. 

The Kennedy Institute is a biomedical research centre uniquely bringing together discovery science and early-stage clinical research, to develop transformative new therapies for chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the Kennedy Translational Innovation Group on a BioHub (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) to develop a new methodology to image cellular metabolism in human lymph nodes in collaboration with Professor Dame Molly Steven’s group in the Kavli Institute, Oxford. In this innovative project you will report to the Principal Investigator Professor Mark Coles. The post holder will also have close interactions with researchers in the Coles, Buckley, Dendrou research group in the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology and the Steven’s group in the Kavli Institute. 

About the Role

The post holder will be responsible for processing clinical samples that may arrive out of hours and adapting existing protocols for the culture of human tissues. The post holder will also select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols such as multiplex immunofluorescent imaging and single cell biology while contributing to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects. The post holder will be expected to represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone and to be responsible for the general laboratory management and administration, including stock control of laboratory consumables. The post holder will also use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment for protocols such as imaging, qPCR, and flow cytometry.

About You

You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (or Master’s) in biological or medicinal sciences and demonstrate experience of working in a laboratory environment. You will have knowledge and experience of handling and processing tissues and/or blood in a sterile environment as well as experience and knowledge of standard laboratory assays including flow cytometry. Additionally, you will demonstrate an ability to manage own lab work and administrative activities as well as projects including the ability to manage both time and records effectively. You will demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot problems with experiments and arrive at an appropriate solution and use your own initiative to solve problems, generate ideas and innovate.

Relevant experience in working with human tissues or blood samples as well as experience analysing imaging/cytometry datasets is desirable.

Application Process

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity.

The closing date for applications is 12pm 28 September 2026.

Interviews will take place on 15th October 2026 and will be in person.

Please quote reference 188746 in all correspondence.

Contact Person: NDORMS Recruitment

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

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