Senior Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p></p><div><strong>Pay Scale:</strong> STANDARD GRADE 7&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Salary (&#163;)</strong>: &#163;36,024 - &#163;44,263 per annum</div><br> <div><strong>Location:</strong> Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford</div><br> <div><strong>Contract type:</strong> Fixed Term Contract for up to 18 months in the first instance&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Hours:</strong> Full Time (37.5 hours per week)&#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>About the role</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Prof Simon Draper&#8217;s research group is focussed on the development of new antibody-inducing vaccines and antibody-based intervention strategies, primarily targeted against the blood-stage malaria parasite but also other difficult disease targets including Ebola. The group has a strong translational focus, seeking to develop innovative and new concepts in vaccine or antibody-based design and delivery. Over the last ten years we have translated eleven vaccine candidates, including viral vectors, recombinant protein and virus-like particles, into Phase I and II clinical trials to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity in healthy volunteer subjects in the UK and Africa, including experimental malaria challenge studies to test vaccine efficacy.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>This is a Senior Research Assistant and Lab Management role (50:50 split) in Simon Draper&#8217;s research group to provide core support for the work in the preclinical development of malaria vaccines and antibody therapeutics and to be responsible for overseeing the daily management of the group&#8217;s lab activities. The role will be varied, but will include being responsible for the mammalian and insect cell culture stocks, assisting in the production of proteins and antibodies as required by the group, and the maintenance and stocking of the main lab, tissue culture rooms, and protein/antibody production facilities. Management responsibilities will include overseeing the biological safety of the laboratory, and documentation governance for the non-clinical work including SOPs, risk assessments and COSHH.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>This full-time fixed-term post is funded by the Gates Foundation for up to 18 months in the first instance.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The actual starting salary offered will be based on qualifications and relevant skills acquired and will also be determined by the funding available. &#160;Whilst the role is a grade 7 position, we would be willing to consider candidates with potential but less experience who are seeking a development opportunity, for which an initial appointment would be at grade 6 (&#163;32,332 &#8211; &#163;38,205 per annum) with the responsibilities adjusted accordingly. This would be discussed with applicants at interview/appointment where appropriate.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>What We Offer</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:&#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; An excellent contributory pension scheme &#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; 38 days annual leave&#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; A comprehensive range of childcare services&#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Family leave schemes&#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Cycle loan scheme&#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs&#160;</div><br> <div>&#8226;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans&#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The University also runs an enormous amount of social groups and sports clubs for those looking for more than just a great place to work.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>About you</strong>&#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>We are particularly looking for a motivated individual with a relevant degree in the area of biomedical science or a similar related field. Previous experience of sterile cell culture and lab management are essential. Experience in bacteria cell culture and protein and antibody production would be highly desirable. You will be highly organised, 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.&#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Application Process</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online &#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Only applications received before <strong>12 noon</strong> on <strong>Friday 12th January 2024</strong> can be considered. with interviews for shortlisted candidates to be held as soon as possible thereafter.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Committed to equality and valuing diversity</strong></div> </div>