Apprentice Clinical Trial Laboratory Technician

**About the role**





We have an exciting opportunity for you to join the University of Oxford as an
Apprentice Clinical Trial Laboratory Technician in the Oxford Vaccine Group,
Department of Paediatrics.





The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) are seeking an enthusiastic individual, keen to
develop skills for a career in vaccine trial delivery to help prevent diseases
cause by current and emerging pathogens.





The purpose of this role is to provide a learning experience for the
individual to acquire skills essential in supporting the conduct of laboratory
procedures associated with clinical trials of important new vaccines targeting
viral and bacterial infections. The main responsibility will be to learn the
aspects of the daily trial administration, sample processing, archiving of
global sample collections, understanding how samples are tested once obtained
from the many different trials, including ongoing trials with COVID vaccines,
Pertussis vaccines, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and None Typable
Salmonella vaccines, as well as Human Typhoid/Paratyphoid Challenge studies.
There will be opportunities to support the research of Post-Doctoral
Scientists, DPhil and MSc students, whilst obtaining extensive training in
working to Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice standards, HTA guidelines and
MHRA regulations. You will be working in Containment Level 2. The ideal
candidate would learn to work independently, manage their own time and be
proactive, participate in meetings and have good communication skills and
attention to detail.





OVG conducts world-leading research into creating new and optimising existing
vaccines for children and adults. Our research has led to the much-anticipated
introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine for babies into the UK vaccination
schedule, and we have been extensively involved in first in human trials of
new vaccines to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the Ebola Virus and run
internationally renowned Human Challenge Models of Enteric diseases such as
Typhoid and Paratyphoid.





This is a readvertisement of 170030. Previous applicants need not reapply.





**About the apprenticeship**





As part of this role, you will undertake an Apprenticeship with CSR Scientific
Training , where you will complete a Level 3 Laboratory Technician
Apprenticeship.





For this apprenticeship, you will work four days each week at the Department
of Paediatrcs, Oxford Vaccine Group at the Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical
Medicine, The Churchill Hospital, Headington OX3 7LE. As part of your
apprenticeship, on one day each week you will be required to attend weekly
online lessons, with some face to face practical elements in Sutton Coldfield
(reasonable travel costs will be covered).





In total, it will take 2 years to complete all elements of the apprenticeship,
with support from the Department, University and training provider throughout.





Becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity
to gain practical experience and training. For more information, please click
here.





**About you**





You will be passionate about starting your career in Clinical Trial Laboratory
support and excited about the opportunity of becoming an apprentice at the
University of Oxford. You may be starting your career or you may be looking
for a career change.





To complete the level 3 apprenticeship you will need to evidence passes at
9-4 or A*-C in GCSE Maths and English. It would be preferable for candidates
to have achieved 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE Science as well.



If you did not achieve these grades, do not let that put you off from applying
as you can study Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship giving you
the equivalent qualifications needed. To help check that you have the
potential to achieve these, The training provider, CSR Scientific Training
will ask you to complete a short initial assessment during the application
process. There are also government residency requirements for Apprenticeship
funding which the Training Provider will be able to advise on.





**What we offer**





Our apprentices are never on their own, you will benefit from a supportive
environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You
will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join
our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the
opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and
region.





We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support
and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your
best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and
creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and
respects every individual’s unique contribution.





Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been
trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their
career.





You will receive 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of Bank Holiday and fixed
closure dates, discounted travel, an excellent contributory pension scheme,
and student discount. You will also be part of the University’s annual
apprenticeship awards.





**Contact us and apply**





You will be required to complete our online application form. Click here for
guidance on applying for a University Apprenticeship.





If you would like further information or support in your application, please
contact:



Dr Elizabeth Clutterbuck – Recruiting Manager –
elizabeth.clutterbuck@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk



David Diamond – CSR Scientific Training – daviddiamond@csr-group.co.uk





Only online applications received before 12:00 midday on Friday 8 March 2024
will be considered.





Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter, provisionally the week
commencing 18 March 2024, with a view to the apprenticeship starting in April
2024.