Laboratory Research Assistant

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p></p><div><strong>About the role</strong></div><br> <div>The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Research Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team at the forefront of vaccine research, targeting a variety of priority pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>OVG conducts world-leading research into new vaccines and optimising existing vaccines for children and adults. Our research has recently led to the global rollout of a ChAdOx-vectored vaccine against SARS-CoV2 which has saved millions of lives. Recently, a Marburg vaccine developed by the group was selected by the World Health Organisation and other stakeholders for inclusion in efficacy trials during the 2023 outbreak. There are also ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials for vaccines against Lassa fever. This role is essential to deliverance of research projects involving new vaccines against emerging pathogens, across clinical and preclinical studies. You will support the research of Post-Doctoral Scientists, whilst obtaining training in working to Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice standards, HTA guidelines and MHRA regulations.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>You will use a variety of techniques from molecular biology and cell biology to evaluate vaccine candidates pre-clinically. This will include the processing blood samples prior to immunological analysis. Training will be provided but previous experience in preclinical work and immunological techniques such as ELISA, ELISpot and flow cytometry is desirable. The role may also involve animal work and Personal Licence Training (PIL) will be provided. You will also participate in developing and establishing methodologies that will be used in pre-clinical to clinical vaccine evaluation.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The ideal candidate would be able to work autonomously as well as part of a team, be proactive, participate in meetings and have excellent communication, organisational skills and attention to detail. Applicants should have a keen interest in research and be dedicated to the team&#8217;s output.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>About the department</strong></div><br> <div>The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the Department.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>We&#160;encourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development (pro rata) each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training courses to support their professional development. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Please visit our&#160;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.paediatrics.ox.ac.uk/">website</a>&#160;to find out more about the Department.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Please be aware, the University has introduced a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of &#163;1,500 a year (pro rata) for all staff on grades 1&#8211;10 of the main salary and grading structure which will be implemented in the September 2024 payroll and backdated to 1 August 2024. Please follow the link&#160;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/pay-and-conditions#collapse4849576">here</a>&#160;for further information on the outcomes of the recent Pay &amp; Conditions review.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Application Process</strong></div><br> <div>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. Click <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement">here</a> for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Teresa Lambe and Dr Daniel Wright using the contact details below.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The post is offered as full-time for one year in the first instance. Only applications received before 12.00 midday 13 September 2024 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.</div> </div>