Research Assistant

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Club memberships

Discounted travel

Job summary

University of Oxford’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics seeks a Research Assistant to join the Simões Group at IDRM. You will support cardiovascular development and regeneration research, maintain labs, manage zebrafish colonies, and perform molecular biology and cell culture tasks.

The post starts in October 2026 and is fixed term for 2 years. We welcome candidates with strong organisational and communication skills and hands-on molecular biology experience.

Qualifications

• Hold a first degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Hands-on molecular biology and/or cell culture experience.
• Strong organisational abilities to support lab operations.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; maintain detailed records.
• Experience with zebrafish models is desirable.
• Experience with hPSCs or organoid cultures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory organisation, stock control, and safety compliance.
• Manage zebrafish breeding colonies and Home Office procedures.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques and sample prep for analyses.
• Conduct 2D and 3D cell culture and optimise culture conditions.
• Assist with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and single‑cell approaches.
• Contribute to project planning, data analysis and reports.
• Train new staff and students as required.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Zebrafish handling

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Biological sciences degree

Job description

UK date and time: 19-September-2026 16:08

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7TY

Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed term for 2 years.

About us:

At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Overview of the role:

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the Simões Group at DPAG, IDRM. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated scientist with hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular biology and cell culture techniques, strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting cutting‑edge research in cardiovascular development and regeneration, including laboratory maintenance, zebrafish husbandry management, molecular biology experiments and cell culture work. This post is available from October 2026 and is fixed term for 2 years.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain laboratory organisation, stock control and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
• Manage zebrafish breeding colonies and conduct experimental procedures according to Home Office regulations
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques and prepare samples for downstream analyses such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and sequencing
• Conduct 2D and 3D cell culture techniques, including maintenance and optimisation of culture conditions
• Assist with advanced techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and single‑cell approaches
• Contribute to project planning, data analysis and preparation of scientific reports and presentations
• Train new staff and students as required

Selection criteria:

• Hold a first degree in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, Biochemistry or a related field, with demonstrable understanding of developmental, cell and molecular biology principles
• Previous hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques and/or cell culture techniques
• Strong organisational abilities to support laboratory operations
• Self‑motivated with ability to work independently, while collaborating effectively as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to maintain detailed records and present data clearly
• Ability to adapt to changing experimental demands and learn new techniques with exceptional attention to detail
• Previous experience working with zebrafish models (desirable)
• Experience with human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) or organoid culture systems (desirable)

What we offer:

Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 29th September 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 05th October, and will be face to face.

Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

We also welcome applications from individuals who would like to pursue a DPhil after completion of this contract.

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.

DPAG and Sustainability:

We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco‑friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio‑diversity. See the job description for more detail.