"Senior Research Nurse"

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Draper Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Senior Research Nurse – Malaria Vaccine Programme.

You will play an important role in supporting the malaria vaccine studies across Africa. In addition, the role will include support for the vaccine and human malaria challenge studies in Oxford.

You will be responsible for supporting the design, delivery and execution of clinical trials of this multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate through Phase 1 optimisation and Phase 2 efficacy testing at both existing and new collaborative partner sites across East and West Africa. In addition, the role will include support for the vaccine and human malaria challenge studies in Oxford. You will provide visible leadership through collaboration with great communication and organisational skills.

The post will involve travel to one or more African sites (approximately 2-4 short trips per year) providing some experience, working in low resource settings. As such the postholder will develop a close working relationship with the overseas clinical trial teams, overseas Principal Investigators, the group’s Vaccine Supply Manager, Oxford Clinical Research Fellows and Project Managers. This is to ensure the smooth running of the clinical trials in accordance with the specific study protocols and departmental standard operating procedures. The postholder will require good knowledge of the Clinical Trials Regulations 2025 subsequent amendments and associated requirements.

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 Draper Group under the lead of Simon Draper has a strong translational focus that spans iterative vaccine design, antibody immunology and experimental medicine, including studies where vaccines are tested for early-stage efficacy using a human malaria challenge model. Recently, the success of the group’s leading blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate, RH5.1, led to a Phase 2 field trial in Burkina Faso which demonstrated partial efficacy against clinical malaria in 5–17-month-old children, a world-first for the blood-stage malaria vaccine field.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 24 months 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 clinical experience, i.e a fully NMC registered nurse, supplemented by relevant post-qualification experience. You will have detailed knowledge of clinical trial design and significant experience in implementation. You will have extensive experience of working in a UKCRC registered Clinical Trials Unit. You should demonstrate the ability to support protocol writing and in the preparation of trial documents in line with regulatory, clinical and logistical needs of the study. The successful postholder should be willing and able to travel to trial sites in Africa.

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 Professor Angela Minassian, the Draper Group Chief Investigator, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Tuesday 3rd March 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.

Location: Department of Paediatrics, Draper Lab, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford

Salary: £49,119 - £58,265 with a discretionary range to £63,489 per annum (pro-rata)

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 8

Vacancy ID: 183805