Postgraduate Research Assistant - Laboratory Microbiology

We are recruiting for a Postgraduate Research Assistant





**About the Role**





We are looking for a Research Assistant with strong laboratory and molecular
microbiology skills to join an established, dynamic, multi-disciplinary team
as part of the Modernising Medical Microbiology (MMM) unit (
https://www.expmedndm.ox.ac.uk/modernising-medical-microbiology ). The group
comprises approximately 40 researchers situated in Oxford, predominantly at
the John Radcliffe Hospital. The group is taking a lead in infectious diseases
research in the UK.





The aim of the role is to undertake the laboratory workflows to facilitate the
whole genome sequencing of large numbers of pathogens. This will involve
careful cultivation and some method development around extracting relevant
organisms from clinical and environmental samples, and subsequent preparation
of DNA for short-read and long-read sequencing using established laboratory
protocols. Additional work will involve the collection and cataloguing of
study specimens, and involvement in Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, as
required.





This is an exciting role, with the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary
team, alongside other research assistants. The wider team includes clinicians,
research software engineers and bioinformatics and biostatistics support, and
the goal is to validate the sequencing analysis and microbiological services.
It has strong collaborative links to the UK Health Security Agency (formerly
Public Health England), the Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford, the
European Bioinformatics Institute, and the Global Health Security Consortium
formed by the Tony Blair Institute, Larry Ellison Foundation and University of
Oxford.





**About You**





To succeed in this post, you will have strong laboratory skills and a
background in culture-based and molecular microbiology, an enquiring and
flexible attitude and an interest in working collaboratively with researchers
from different disciplines. Experience of working with next generation
sequencing lab workflows is highly desirable as is an interest in sequence
data processing.





You should be educated to PhD level in a relevant discipline, however
individuals with an MSc/BSc level education but with relevant experience will
be considered at a grade 6, £34,982 - £40,855 per annum.





Applications from those returning to work after career or other breaks would
be welcomed.





**About the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine**





The Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM) is one of the largest
departments of the University of Oxford and is part of the Medical Sciences
Division, with responsibility for a significant part of the teaching of
clinical students within the Medical School.





**What We Offer**





As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being and this is
reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:





• Flexible working



• An excellent contributory pension scheme



• 38 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays)



• A comprehensive range of childcare services



• Family leave schemes



• Cycle loan scheme



• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans





The University also runs a large number of social groups and sports clubs for
those looking for more than just a great place to work.





**Application Process**





The post is full time and fixed term up to 31/03/2027. Part-time working will
be considered (0.8 FTE , 30 hours per week minimum).



Applications are to be made online. You will be required to upload a
supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Please include
in your supporting statement why this is the right opportunity for you.





Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Monday 10 February 2025 will
be considered.