We are recruiting for a Postgraduate Research Assistant

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.