Research Assistant

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology within the Nuffield Department of Medicine. You will work on anti-tumour immune responses and cancer immunotherapy strategies, using preclinical models and patient-derived samples.

Responsibilities include performing cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, and in vivo mouse studies, with data analysis and collaboration across teams; training others and helping maintain the lab.

Qualifications

• Degree in a biological sciences subject with lab experience.
• Experience in cell culture and flow cytometry; strong organisational and communication skills.
• Willingness to undertake in vivo work and obtain a Personal Licence.

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory experiments including cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology and sample processing.
• In vivo experiments using mouse models and data analysis; contribute to design and planning.
• Provide practical training and support day-to-day running of the laboratory.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Molecular biology

Experimental design

Communication

Lab management

Education

Biological sciences degree

Tools

Flow cytometer

Job description

Location: Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology within the Nuffield Department of Medicine. Working with Dr Ignacio Melero, you will contribute to research investigating anti-tumour immune responses and the development of new strategies to improve cancer immunotherapy. The research focuses on antigen presentation, interactions between dendritic cells and T cells, and inflammatory signalling within the tumour microenvironment, using preclinical models and patient-derived samples to identify approaches that could enhance responses to immune checkpoint blockade and other immunotherapies.

Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality technical and research support, carrying out laboratory experiments including cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology and biological sample processing, as well as in vivo experiments using mouse models
• Adapting and optimising experimental protocols, troubleshooting technical problems, collecting and analysing data, contributing to experimental design and research planning, and communicating findings with collaborators
• Providing practical training to researchers and students and supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including equipment maintenance, stock control and ordering

Requirements

• Hold a degree in a relevant biological science subject and have experience working in a biological research laboratory
• Practical experience of cell culture and flow cytometry, good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to follow and adapt experimental protocols and troubleshoot technical problems
• Experience of, or a willingness to undertake, in vivo work using mouse models is required, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a Personal Licence and work within a Biological Services Unit
• Experience in immunology, cancer biology or tumour immunology, preclinical mouse models, multicolour flow cytometry or FACS, and working with primary immune cells, tumour tissue or patient-derived samples would be advantageous

Contract and Salary

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 24 months and is funded by Cancer Research UK.

£35,681 to £41,636 : Research Grade 6. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).