At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Nanobody Discovery team to develop innovative molecular probes for biology applications.
- Company: The Rosalind Franklin Institute, a cutting-edge technology institute transforming healthcare.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, generous pension, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare research while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in research and a passion for life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute established by the UK Government as a unique centre committed to advancing tools that are needed to transform healthcare in the future. The Institute brings together researchers in life and physical sciences, and engineering, to develop a spectrum of tools which we will use to image, interpret and intervene in biological systems. These insights will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease. Our Science Strategy seeks to focus the Franklin’s research and unite our researchers around our Technology Innovation Challenges and Life Science Challenges.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our Nanobody Discovery team at the Franklin to develop and expand the use of nanobodies as molecular probes for structural and cell biology applications. The successful candidate will contribute to projects that further develop our nanobody technology platform as well as introducing new technologies.
Key Responsibilities- Screen nanobody expression libraries by phage display to isolate specific binding proteins.
- Express, purify and characterise antigen binding of selected nanobodies.
- Take responsibility for management of samples and data entry into the nanobody database.
- Present and interpret results at internal lab meetings.
- Take responsibility with others to ensure that work in the laboratory is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies.
- Participate in and support public engagement by the Franklin.
In return we offer:
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
- Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution up to 18%)
- Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
- Buying and Selling Annual Leave
- Workplace Nursery
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Hub building with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
- Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
- Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
- Health Cash Plan
- Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
- Free on‑site parking
- Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff
The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially. At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world!
Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 30th June 2026. Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy.
Area: Scientific
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
Type of Post: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Period of appointment: Fixed‑Term Contract (12 Months Maternity Cover)
Salary: From £30,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Research Assistant (Maternity Cover 12 Months Contract) (10399) in Harwell employer: Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work environment at the picturesque Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, the Franklin provides a supportive atmosphere for researchers to thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Rosalind Franklin Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Maternity Cover 12 Months Contract) (10399) in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Franklin on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the latest projects at the Franklin, especially in nanobody technology. We want to show them we’re not just interested, but genuinely excited about their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our skills and experiences clearly, making us stand out as candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After the interview, shoot a thank-you email to express our appreciation. It’s a small gesture that can leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Maternity Cover 12 Months Contract) (10399) in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in nanobody technology or similar fields. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the Franklin!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our Nanobody Discovery team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase any specific skills related to phage display, protein purification, or data management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rosalind Franklin Institute
✨Know Your Nanobodies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nanobodies and their applications in structural and cell biology. Familiarise yourself with recent advancements in the field, as well as the specific projects the Franklin is working on. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous lab experiences, especially any work related to protein expression, purification, or data management. Highlight specific techniques you've mastered and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Research Assistant role.
✨Engage with Their Challenges
Take some time to understand the Technology Innovation Challenges and Life Science Challenges outlined by the Franklin. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to these challenges and bring fresh ideas to the table during your interview.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since collaboration is key in research environments, think about examples from your past where you successfully worked in a team. Be ready to share how you handle conflicts, support public engagement, and ensure safety in the lab, as these are crucial aspects of the role.
