Laboratory Research Assistant

**About the role**



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.





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.





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.





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’s output.





**About the department**



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.





We 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.





Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.





Please be aware, the University has introduced a pensionable Oxford University
Weighting of £1,500 a year (pro rata) for all staff on grades 1–10 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 here for
further information on the outcomes of the recent Pay & Conditions review.





**Application Process**



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 here for information and advice on
writing an effective Supporting Statement.





Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Teresa Lambe and Dr Daniel
Wright using the contact details below.





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.