Research Assistant in Ocular Immunology

University of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)

This is a full time, fixed term position for 36 months.

We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant in Ocular Immunology at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology. The post holder will be working on a 3-year project to explore the role of Keratin 17 in driving Uveitis. We are testing new treatments to reduce eye inflammation and developing a cutting-edge human eye model, constructed in 3D to advance this research. Our goal is to create safer, effective therapies for people suffering from AU, reducing the risk of vision loss. You will use both human organoid cultures as well as in vivo models of anterior uveitis to establish causal mechanisms.

In this position you will manage own research and administrative activities within the guidelines provided by your line manager and contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects. You will use specialist scientific equipment within the laboratory environment for protocols such as Flow Cytometry, qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In this role you will represent the Ocular Immunology research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.

You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (or Master’s) in Immunology, Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or other closely related life sciences fields. You will have experience of handling and processing human tissue in a sterile environment, as well as experience of performing studies in vivo models of disease and have held/hold an animal licence. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present scientific data at internal lab meetings and represent the group at external conferences is essential. Experience of working in a research team and contributing new ideas for new research projects is desirable.

Due to the nature of the research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, this job will

• A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check
• University security screening (eg identity checks)

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 22nd December 2025. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Please quote 183402 in all correspondence.

Please note, due to departmental closure over the Christmas period, shortlisting and interviews for this position will take place in January 2026.