Research Assistant

About the role

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the Jarvis group at the Department of Biology to work on a new project entitled “Deciphering the mechanism and structure of the chloroplast-associated protein degradation (CHLORAD) system”. Our research group has a long track-record of studying chloroplast protein homeostasis mechanisms in plants. We discovered the CHLORAD system, and showed how it mediates ubiquitin-dependent regulation of chloroplast proteins. Such regulation is vital for diverse aspects of plant growth, including resilience to adverse environments and fruit ripening. This project aims to elucidate how the CHLORAD machinery is organized structurally, and to deliver an advanced mechanistic understanding of how the system mediates the extraction and degradation of chloroplast proteins. Greater understanding in these areas may offer applications in the future development of crops with improved performance.

About you

You will independently manage your own research within guidelines provided by senior colleagues, including accurate record keeping, and will contribute to wider project planning. You will determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise.

You will possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to carry out the project work effectively. You will also have considerable relevant research experience in molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry. Experience of following and adapting protocols and selecting appropriate experimental methodologies is essential.

How to apply

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 19 June 2026. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.