At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clinical trials and manage sample inventory in a dynamic research environment.
- Company: Join the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford, a leader in child health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid skill enhancement days, wellness activities, and support for visa renewals.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking vaccine research that impacts global health and child wellbeing.
- Qualifications: A relevant biological degree and strong organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with potential for extension based on funding availability.
The predicted salary is between 29900 - 36600 £ per year.
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.
Contact Person :
Dr Carolyn Nielsen
Vacancy ID :
181045
Contact Phone :
Closing Date & Time :
29-Aug-2025 12:00
Pay Scale :
RESEARCH GRADE 6
Contact Email :
carolyn.nielsen@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£) :
34,982 – 40,855 per annum (pro rata) #J-18808-Ljbffr
Clinical Immunology Research Assistant employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Immunology Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in malaria vaccine research and antibody immunology. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of clinical trials and immunology. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and connect with researchers on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your organisational skills by thinking of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed sample inventories or laboratory tasks. Being able to articulate these experiences can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr Carolyn Nielsen for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and genuine interest, plus it gives you a chance to ask specific questions that could help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Immunology Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Clinical Immunology Research Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and clearly address how you meet each selection criterion listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your qualifications.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any experience you have working with human samples or databases, as well as your organisational and communication skills. Mention any relevant projects or roles that showcase your ability to work in a laboratory environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and Supporting Statement for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a research setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in malaria vaccine research and antibody immunology. Being able to discuss recent studies or breakthroughs will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss any previous experience you have with human sample databases or laboratory work. Specific examples of how you've managed samples or conducted analyses will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves overseeing clinical trial sample inventory management, emphasise your organisational skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the department's future projects or the team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.