"Tubney House" . "John Krebs Field Station, Wytham" . """

 The Department of Biology is looking for a Research Assistant to join the Poole group to work on a project funded by BBSRC.

 

With the human population estimated to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050, the looming nitrogen (N) crisis, stemming from the intensive use of fertilisers in agriculture, requires urgent global action. Massive synthesis and application of fertiliser N has a large energy cost, causes CO2 release and results in large-scale loss of reduced N to the environment. Use of legumes, which in association with rhizobia can fix up to 200 kg N per ha, as crops and for forage are potential ways to improve both N efficiency and the sustainability of agriculture. We are therefore studying the lifecycle of rhizobia from the rhizosphere to its role as a nitrogen fixing endosymbiont in legume root nodules. This involves complex changes in its cells wall and outer membrane.

 

In this project the successful applicant will investigate the biochemistry and genetics of these changes and the specific role of LDT-transaminases in remodelling peptidoglycan. This will involve cloning and mutating the LDT-transaminases and investigating their impact on the growth and nitrogen fixation properties of the bacteria inoculated onto legumes.

 

Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement.

 

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

 

This post is full time and available immediately for till 31 March 2026.

 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (GMT +1) on Wednesday 25th October, interviews are likely to be scheduled for early November.

 

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.
"""^^ . "Biology" . "License"@en . . "Department of Biology" . "Large Lecture Theatre" . "email"@en . . "preferred label"@en . . "Title"@en . "Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS)" . . "sotto-Organization di"@it . . "Description of Research Assistant" . . . _:N8e9d5ca701fb4aa4b41dc120e0906981 "100"^^ . . "RDF/XML description of Research Assistant" . "HTML description of Research Assistant" . "Document" . . . "tiene sede en"@es . """Job description Post Research Assistant Department Biology Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) Location Biology Offices, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3RB Grade and salary 6.1 – 6.4: £32,332 - £34,980 per annum Hours Full time Contract type Fixed term contract to 31 March 2026 Reporting to Prof. Philip Poole Application deadline 12 noon (GMT+1) on Wednesday 25th October Vacancy reference 168034 Recruitment contacts HR: hr@biology.ox.ac.uk The role Reporting to Prof. Poole. The post holder is a member of a research group with responsibility for the provision of research support for research project. The post holder provides advice and guidance to research students where appropriate. Responsibilities • Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues • Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects • Determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise • Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols • Gather, analyse, and present scientific data from a variety of sources • Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences • Responsible for general laboratory management and administration, including stock control of laboratory consumables • Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment • Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone • Contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups • Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so. Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • Hold a first degree, together with some relevant experience • Working toward a doctorate in a specialist discipline • Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes • Ability to manage own research and administrative activities • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write text that can be published, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings • Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies Desirable selection criteria • Experience of contributing to reports and articles for publication • Experience of working in a research team and contributing ideas for new research projects Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows: • Working with Ionising Radiation • Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS: About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Biology You will be joining the Department of Biology at an exciting time. The Department established from August 2022 as a result of a merger between the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, and is preparing to move into the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building in two to three years time. The Department of Biology is recognised internationally for its research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems, and tackling global challenges through fundamental bioscience research. Over time, the research interests of the Department has been focused on five primary themes: Behaviour & Biomechanics; Ecology & Conservation; Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology & Infectious Disease; and Molecular Plant Biology. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research. At all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and our education offering, at both graduate and undergraduate level. The Department teaches a four-year undergraduate degree MBiol course in Biology, with fourth-year students undertaking a Masters-level research project. It also supports a variety of graduate placements and hosts the University’s DPhil in Biology. External research income to the Department is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Department has a significant record in integrating broader societal impacts of its research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The Department is located in the University’s Science Area at two sites, and will move into the new £200m Life and Mind Building in 2024 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. The Department also benefits from extensive facilities at the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham, with Wytham Woods nearby, as well as partnerships with organisations in the area such as the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Oxford Natural History Museum. For more information please visit: https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University. Oxford is widely recognised as one of the world's leading science universities. . The disciplines within the MPLS Division regularly appear at the highest levels in world rankings and have been evaluated as conducting world-leading and internationally excellent research in UK research assessments, and Mathematical, physical and life sciences research at Oxford is the best in the country according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment exercise carried out by HEFCE. The MPLS Division is home to the non-medical sciences at Oxford and its 10 departments and 3 interdisciplinary units span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Our research tackles major societal and technological challenges – whether developing new energy solutions or improved cancer treatments, understanding climate change processes, or helping to preserve biodiversity, and is increasingly focused on key interdisciplinary issues. We collaborate closely with colleagues in Oxford across the medical sciences, social sciences and humanities, and with other universities, research organisations and industrial partners across the globe in pursuit of innovative research geared to address critical and fundamental scientific questions. MPLS is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academe. Our senior researchers have been awarded some of the most significant scientific honours (including Nobel prizes and prestigious titles such as FRS and FREng) and we have a strong tradition of attracting and nurturing the very best early career researchers who regularly secure prestigious fellowships. The Division is also the proud holder of ten Athena Swan Awards (5 Silver and 5 Bronze) illustrating our commitment to ensure good practice and to encourage women in science at all levels in the division. We have around 6,000 full and part-time students (including approximately 1900 graduate students) and play a major role in training the next generation of leading scientists. Oxford's international reputation for excellence in teaching is reflected in its position at the top of the major league tables and subject assessments. MPLS academics educate students of high academic merit and potential from all over the world. Through a mixture of lectures, practical work and the distinctive college tutorial system, students develop their ability to solve major mathematical, scientific and engineering problems. MPLS is dedicated to bringing the wonder and potential of science to the attention of audiences far beyond the world of academia. We have a strong commitment to supporting public engagement in science through initiatives including the Oxford Sparks portal (www.oxfordsparks.net) and a large variety of outreach activities; these are crucial activities given so many societal and technological issues demand an understanding of the science that underpins them. We also endeavour to bring the potential of our scientific efforts forward for practical and beneficial application to the real world and our desire is to link our best scientific minds with industry and public policy makers. For more information please visit: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly at HR@Biology.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82, which with effect from 1 October 2023 will be 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to the Work+Family Space, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back-up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/my-family-care Childcare The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. """^^ . . . "Biology South Parks Road" . . . . . "true"^^ . "text/n3" . "in dataset" . . "50814249"^^ . "application/rdf+xml" . "text/turtle" . "room" . . . . "Past vacancies at the University of Oxford" . _:N8e9d5ca701fb4aa4b41dc120e0906981 . . "has site"@en . . . . . "department" . . . "Format"@en . . . . "ha sede"@it . . . . "Agent" . . . "HR" . . "Biochemistry and Biological Sciences Teaching Centre" . . "OxPoints"@en . "es suborganización de"@es . . . "Biology Offices, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3RB" . "subOrganization of"@en . "54033113"^^ . . . . . . "2023-10-25T12:00:00+01:00"^^ . . "Unit price specification"@en . . . . "text/plain" . "name" . "value" . "Biology Mansfield Road" . "text/html" . . "168034_RA_JD_Poole" . "OxPoints"@en . "valid through (0..1)"@en . . . . . "Biology Mansfield Road" . "Tubney Panthera Buildings" . . . . "homepage" . "168034"^^ . . "Is Part Of"@en . . "comment" . . . . . . . "Source"@en . "Biology South Parks Road" . "Subject"@en . . . . . "false"^^ . "occupies" . "page" . . "NTriples description of Research Assistant" . . "Standard Grade 6: 6.1 – 6.4: £32,332 - £34,980 per annum" . "Biochemistry and Biological Sciences Teaching Centre" . "Research Assistant" . "a un site"@fr . """The Department of Biology is looking for a Research Assistant to join the Poole group to work on a project funded by BBSRC. With the human population estimated to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050, the looming nitrogen (N) crisis, stemming from the intensive use of fertilisers in agriculture, requires urgent global action. Massive synthesis and application of fertiliser N has a large energy cost, causes CO2 release and results in large-scale loss of reduced N to the environment. Use of legumes, which in association with rhizobia can fix up to 200 kg N per ha, as crops and for forage are potential ways to improve both N efficiency and the sustainability of agriculture. We are therefore studying the lifecycle of rhizobia from the rhizosphere to its role as a nitrogen fixing endosymbiont in legume root nodules. This involves complex changes in its cells wall and outer membrane. In this project the successful applicant will investigate the biochemistry and genetics of these changes and the specific role of LDT-transaminases in remodelling peptidoglycan. This will involve cloning and mutating the LDT- transaminases and investigating their impact on the growth and nitrogen fixation properties of the bacteria inoculated onto legumes. Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is full time and available immediately for till 31 March 2026. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (GMT +1) on Wednesday 25th October, interviews are likely to be scheduled for early November. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. """ . "based near" . "application/xhtml+xml" . . . "Large Lecture Theatre" . . . . . "Title"@en . . "Biology, Department of" . _:N22f70db5ae6a4cd4a8800f68ab50efa6 . . "Turtle description of Research Assistant" . 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