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- Tasks: Join our team to explore how phage can combat antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious University of Oxford, a leader in scientific research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive lab environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while gaining hands-on research experience.
- Qualifications: Previous experience with phage infectivity and resistance assays is essential.
- Other info: Position available from September 2025; apply by June 2, 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28985 - 34071 £ per year.
We are seeking a Research Assistant for a project testing the ability of phage to target bacteria carrying plasmids associated with antibiotic resistance genes. Many of the most important antibiotic resistance genes are carried by conjugative plasmids that transfer resistance across strain and species boundaries. Pilus-dependent bacteriophage (PDBs) are viruses that infect bacterial cells via the conjugative pilus, making them a potentially powerful tool to combat antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities.
The postholder will work on experiments to:
- assess the ability of PDBs to infect a lab strain of E.coli carrying a panel of reference plasmids,
- test the ability of PDBs to infect isolates of E.coli collected from infections and environmental sources.
The postholder will work on these experiments in conjunction with a post-doc and will be fully embedded into the lab group. This position is suitable for researchers with previous experience working with phage infectivity and resistance assays. The scale of these assays will be large, and this post will require excellent organization and planning skills. Previous experience with qPCR, flow cytometry and experimental evolution would also be desirable.
The position is available for 1 year at full-time, but it may be possible to work on this position part-time. Applications should include a CV and a cover letter detailing how the applicant fits the selection criteria. Please send enquiries with CV to craig.maclean@biology.ox.ac.uk.
Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.
This post is full time and available from 1 September 2025 onwards with a start date no later than 1 February 2026. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on June 2, 2025; interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-June. 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.
Contact Email: recruitment@biology.ox.ac.uk
Research Assistant in Evolutionary Microbiology employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Evolutionary Microbiology
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in evolutionary microbiology, particularly focusing on phage therapy and antibiotic resistance. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or seminars. Making connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with phage infectivity and resistance assays in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of your work, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your organisational and planning skills by outlining how you would approach the large-scale assays mentioned in the job description. Consider creating a mock timeline or project plan to showcase your ability to manage complex tasks effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Evolutionary Microbiology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Research Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience with phage infectivity, resistance assays, and any other mentioned skills.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses how your background and skills align with the selection criteria outlined in the job description. Be sure to mention your experience with qPCR, flow cytometry, and experimental evolution if applicable.
Prepare Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your academic qualifications, research experience, and any relevant skills. Include specific examples of your work related to antibiotic resistance and microbiology.
Address Covid-19 Impacts: If your work or research outputs have been significantly affected by Covid-19, include a brief paragraph in your supporting statement explaining this. This shows transparency and helps the reviewers understand your situation.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Phages
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of phage infectivity and resistance assays. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience and how they relate to the project.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Given the large scale of the assays, highlight your organisational and planning skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed complex experiments or projects in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Techniques
Review techniques like qPCR and flow cytometry, as these are desirable for the role. If you have experience with these methods, be ready to explain how you've applied them in your research.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the project and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.
