Research Assistant

We are seeking to appoint a skilled Research Assistant to support the mRNA
technology programme and the Pre-erythrocytic Malaria Group at the Jenner
Institute. The position involves contributing to research focused on the
development and assessment of multi-stage malaria vaccine candidates targeting
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. You will provide support in
research design, methodological development, data analysis, and reporting of
experimental findings.





Your primary role will be to assist in evaluating new target antigens as
potential vaccine candidates for the Malaria Vaccine Programme, utilising some
of the most advanced technologies in the following areas: immunology,
biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, and genomics,
among other fields relevant to vaccine development.





You will be responsible for participating in research to identify, design, and
evaluate new target antigens as vaccine candidates, contribute to vaccine
development, including the generation and assessment of candidates using viral
vector, mRNA, recombinant protein, or virus-like particle (VLP) platforms,
while also supporting broader project planning and proposing new research
directions, and determining appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses
effectively. You will select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols as
needed, collect, analyse, and present scientific data from various sources,
and contribute to scientific reports and presentations for conferences and
publications. You will also conduct high-quality research using techniques
such as cell culture, protein expression, purification, and advanced
microscopy (e.g., TEM, IFA, Western Blot, Fluorescence Microscopy), and assist
senior researchers in related projects and collaborations.





It is essential that you have a degree in a relevant biological field (or
equivalent), a strong interest in malaria and the immunology of infectious
diseases, and proficiency in practical immunological assays, including ELISA,
ELISpot, Flow Cytometry, and Immuno-Fluorescence Assay (IFA). You will be
highly independent and detail-oriented, with strong technical skills, high-
quality sample processing, and the ability to manage multiple projects
efficiently, as well as excellent analytical and communication skills, with
expertise in data interpretation, reporting, and scientific writing.
Experience in preclinical work with high competence in animal welfare and
handling techniques, different procedures and injection routes, PIL Licence
and experience with basic microscopy techniques are highly desirable.





Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required
to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.
Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection
criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.





This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 December
2026 and is funded by UltiMalVax Fund and Calleva Funds. Please note that
Interview will be held on week commencing 14 March 2025.





Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday 7 April 2025 will be
considered. Please quote **178320** on all correspondence.