At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Nanobody Discovery team to develop innovative molecular probes for biology.
- 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 welcoming diverse applicants from around the world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare research while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with a passion for research and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role. This job description sets out the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.
In return we offer:
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
- Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently 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!
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please upload a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. The link to apply is provided at the bottom of this page.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 30th June 2026.
Research Assistant (Maternity Cov... in Harwell employer: The Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers in life sciences and engineering. With generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Located in the picturesque countryside, the Institute provides a unique environment that promotes well-being and work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
The Rosalind Franklin Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Maternity Cov... in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Rosalind Franklin Institute on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their research projects. Familiarise ourselves with their Technology Innovation Challenges and Life Science Challenges. This way, we can impress them with our knowledge and show how we can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us articulate our experiences and skills confidently, especially when discussing our ability to manage samples and data entry.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity can keep us fresh in their minds and demonstrate our enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Maternity Cov... in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in nanobody technology and lab work.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities listed.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key at the Franklin, mention any team projects or experiences where you contributed to a group goal. We love to see how you work with others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The 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 at The Rosalind Franklin Institute. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in the lab, especially related to phage display and protein purification. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully managed samples or data entry, as this aligns directly with the responsibilities of the role. Highlighting your practical skills will demonstrate your readiness for the position.
✨Engage with Their Challenges
Take some time to understand the Technology Innovation Challenges and Life Science Challenges outlined by the institute. Be ready to discuss how your background and skills can contribute to these challenges. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and opportunities for public engagement. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
