"Research Assistant"

Research Assistant

Department: Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine IDRM, Old Road Campus, Oxford

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the lab of Dr Toby Andrews at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford.

The goal of our research is to understand the information that shapes the complex physical architecture of the heart wall, and how it can be disrupted to produce congenital heart defects and structural diversity across populations and species. In doing so, we aim to identify novel approaches to diagnose and repair structural defects of the heart wall and septa. We use zebrafish as a primary model system for our work, where the developing heart can be visualised in living animals in real time. Please visit our website to find out more about Toby's research.

About the role

The postholder will play an important role in supporting ongoing research projects in the lab. In addition to core responsibilities in laboratory operations and zebrafish maintenance, you will contribute to new scientific understanding by applying experimental and analytical procedures not limited to gene cloning, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, generation of transgenic zebrafish lines, single-cell omics, advanced light microscopy, bioimage analysis and multi-scale morphometrics. You will maintain rigorous laboratory records, contribute to data interpretation and reporting, and support publications and presentations arising from the research programme.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology. The Andrews lab is a new addition to the IDRM Cardio Floor - a close-knit community of researchers investigating different aspects of cardiovascular development, disease and repair.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for one year, 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 have a scientific degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Cell/Developmental Biology, Biochemistry) supplemented by relevant experience working in a scientific laboratory, with proven and demonstrable skills in molecular biology and experience working with cells, tissues or organisms.

You will be highly motivated, enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills. You will have strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding and collaborative research environment.

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 Toby Andrews, IDRM Transition Fellow, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 27th February 2026 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.