Job Description

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity in the Department of Paediatrics, for a Research Assistant within Professor Simon Draper's vaccine development programme, with a strong focus on malaria, antibody immunology and clinical trials. The Group's translational activity is underpinned by a strong programme of preclinical work, seeking to design and validate future generations of vaccines.

We are now looking to appoint a Clinical Trials Research Assistant to join our expanding team. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with several clinical research projects in a fast-paced research environment at the cutting edge of vaccine science. The position involves supporting the general programme of human immunology within the Draper group. This would primarily involve overseeing clinical trial sample inventory management, as well as supporting other trial activities such as sample processing, analyses of antibody responses, and general lab duties (e.g. maintaining supplies and instruments).

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.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 18 months or until 31 March 2027, whichever is sooner, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department

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

We are looking for a motivated individual with a relevant biological degree. You will be highly organised, have good interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to interact productively and collaboratively with other team members. Experience working with human sample databases (or similar) and with human samples in a laboratory environment are desirable.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. 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 Dr Carolyn Nielsen, Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellow, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 29th August 2025 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.