"Preclinical Laboratory Research Assistant"

Preclinical Laboratory Research Assistant

Department: Department of Paediatrics, Oxford Vaccine Group, Churchill Hospital, Oxford

About the role

The Lambe team based in Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) and Pandemic Sciences Institute is seeking an experienced Pre-clinical Laboratory Research Assistant to support its expanding pre-clinical immunology and vaccine development programmes, focused on outbreak-related pathogens including filoviruses such as Ebolaviruses, arenaviruses such as Junín, and Bunyaviruses such as Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Working closely with a collaborative team of postdoctoral researchers, students and research assistants, the role will support the delivery of pre-clinical studies by performing and supporting regulated animal procedures, ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations, the Project Licence and the 3Rs, and providing training, tracking and sign-off for regulated procedures. The postholder will also assist with sample processing, study logistics, and the administration associated with scheduling of complex study plans, requiring substantial experience in animal handling, a methodical and detail-oriented approach, and strong interpersonal skills, while contributing to research with direct global public health impact. If you are driven by impactful science and passionate about advancing vaccine innovation, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading research with real-world impact.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

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

About you

You will hold a first degree, or an equivalent level of pre-clinical animal work experience with a PIL (procedure Individual License), supplemented with sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to aid the delivery of pre-clinical animal work across the outbreak pathogens programmes. You will possess ability to manage own pre-clinical activities across the outbreak pathogens team. You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all level of staff and an ability to co-ordinate pre-clinical studies and organise the PIL activities.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed if you do not include both documents.

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.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Sagida Bibi, Lead Scientist Immunology and Vaccine Clinical Trials, using the contact details below sagida.bibi@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 17th March will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.

Salary: £35,681 - £41,636 with a discretionary range to £45,212 per annum (pro-rata)

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 6

Contact: Sagida Bibi | Email: sagida.bibi@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk

Vacancy ID: 184677