"Research Assistant"

About the role

The Oxford Thermofluids Institute is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Research Assistant to join our established and internationally recognised research group.

Reporting to Professor Peter Ireland, the postholder will play a key role in supporting the Institute’s research activities and day-to-day operations. This role would suit someone who is motivated by high-quality research and interested in being an active and collaborative member of a skilled research team.

The successful candidate will work closely with a team of established researchers, contributing to ongoing projects in thermofluids and related areas. The role will involve supporting experimental and/or computational research activities, assisting with laboratory or facility operations where appropriate, contributing to data analysis and reporting, and helping to ensure the smooth running of research programmes.

About you

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and collaborative, with strong technical skills and an interest in delivering high-quality research output within a multidisciplinary team. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-professional team, while also showing initiative and independence, is essential.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop research expertise within a supportive and high-performing academic environment.

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include:

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references.

The position is a variable hour post available on a fixed term basis until 30 September 2026.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 25th March 2026.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to The HR team: hr@eng.ox.ac.uk

Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.