Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology

Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology

Full-Time 49119 - 58265 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative research on inflammatory arthritis and collaborate with top experts in the field.
  • Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Nuffield Department, a leader in medical research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, and access to childcare services.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on groundbreaking therapies for inflammatory conditions.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on chronic diseases while advancing your research career.
  • Qualifications: PhD in immunology or related field with post-qualification research experience.

The predicted salary is between 49119 - 58265 £ per year.

We are offering an exciting and unique opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a collaborative grant to address a critical challenge in inflammatory arthritis: determining when true disease-free remission has been achieved. The post-holder will be the Oxford-based postdoctoral fellow for this collaboration working under the supervision of Prof Chris Buckley and will closely collaborate with other team members in Oxford such as Tissue Biology Lead Prof Mark Coles and Computational/Bioinformatics Lead Dr Calliope Dendrou.

You will lead the experimental work for Oxford which will be involved in three research areas:

  • Analyse tissue and blood samples with and without disease
  • Identify reliable predictors of biological remission
  • Investigate biological pathways that promote freedom from disease

This will involve patient bio sample profiling, optimisation of assays that include organoid formation and analysis, and multiomic profiling. A highly collaborative team science spirit is essential as is the meticulous planning, conduct and reporting of experiments, in compliance with the Human Tissue Act (2004).

This opportunity is part of a larger strategic alliance between Oxford and Birmingham within an interdisciplinary translational research network, aiming at improving the lives of those suffering with chronic inflammatory diseases.

You will be responsible for carrying out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions and research groups and for writing up experimental results, methodology and interpretation which will contribute to reports when required. You will develop, establish and pursue appropriate analytical protocols and techniques to support research, including standardised protocols for patient sample flows. You will also regularly write research articles at a national level for peer‑reviewed journals, book chapters, and reviews. Present papers at national conferences, and lead seminars to disseminate research findings.

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in immunology or related area with some post‑qualification research experience. You will have experience independently managing a research project as well as a strong publication record and familiarity with the existing literature and research in the field. You will demonstrate evidence of having collaborated with both wet and dry lab researchers to complete a project together with a demonstrated interest in experimental medicine and immune‑mediated inflammatory disease. Proficiency in conducting 10X single‑cell RNAseq and conducting spatial transcriptomics is desirable.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position for 27 months. The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world‑class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic. The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is part of the Medical Sciences Division and is the largest European academic department in its field, running a globally competitive programme of research and teaching. The Kennedy Institute is a biomedical research centre uniquely bringing together discovery science and early‑stage clinical research, to develop transformative new therapies for chronic inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions.

Benefits include:

  • An excellent contributory pension scheme
  • 38 days annual leave
  • A comprehensive range of childcare services
  • Family leave schemes
  • Cycle loan scheme
  • Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
  • Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology employer: University of Oxford

The University of Oxford offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology, characterised by a collaborative spirit and a commitment to groundbreaking research in inflammatory arthritis. With access to world-class facilities, generous benefits including 38 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, as well as opportunities for professional growth through interdisciplinary projects, this role is ideal for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of medical sciences.

University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology

Get Involved in Research Communities

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Show Off Your Research Projects

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rheumatology

Analytical Skills
Experimental Design
Patient Bio Sample Profiling
Assay Optimisation
Multiomic Profiling
Collaboration with Wet and Dry Lab Researchers
Research Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Oxford. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.

Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.

Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Oxford. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Showcase Your Research Skills

In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Oxford. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.

Know Your Publications

If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.

Exhibit Your Team Spirit

In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Oxford to drive research projects forward.