Research Assistant in Molecular Virology

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a Research Assistant in Molecular Virology to join the Molecular Virology group at the CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine. The role involves growing viral cultures in BSL2/3 labs, performing molecular biology techniques and contributing to experimental design and publications.

The ideal candidate has a biology-related degree with specialist virology knowledge and experience in cell culture, gene knockout/knockdown, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology/biochemistry/chemistry/biotechnology or related field
• Specialist knowledge of molecular virology; experience with viral propagation and gene knockout/knockdown
• Experience with hypoxia workstations, molecular cloning, confocal microscopy, RNA-FISH advantageous

Responsibilities

• Grow and maintain viral cultures in containment level 2/3 laboratories
• Perform molecular biology, immunological and biochemical techniques
• Conduct siRNA screens in cellular infection models
• Maintain human and mammalian cell lines; generate knockout/knockdown lines
• Contribute to experimental design, publications and day-to-day lab management

Job description

Research Assistant in Molecular Virology

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant in Molecular Virology to join the Molecular Virology group at the CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine. Working under the supervision of Dr Peter Wing, you will contribute to research investigating the complex interactions between viruses and host cells, with a particular focus on the relationship between cellular oxygen sensing and viral replication. The project aims to identify new host-directed pathways to combat respiratory viral infections.

You will be responsible for growing and maintaining viral cultures in containment level 2 and 3 laboratories, performing molecular biology, immunological and biochemical techniques, and conducting siRNA screens in cellular infection models. Your role will include maintaining human and mammalian cell lines, generating knockout and knockdown cell lines using CRISPR/siRNA, performing live-cell imaging, and collecting and analysing scientific data. You will also contribute to experimental design, scientific publications, collaborative research projects and the day-to-day management of the laboratory.

It is essential that you hold a degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology or a related discipline, with specialist knowledge of molecular virology and experience in viral propagation, cell culture and gene knockout/knockdown techniques. You should have experience using hypoxia workstations, molecular cloning, bacterial culture, confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence and RNA-FISH, alongside excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills. The ability to work independently, adapt experimental protocols and maintain accurate research records is essential. Experience working in containment level 2/3 laboratories, handling primary tissue, and using data analysis software such as R, Python, FIJI or Prism would be advantageous.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension and is funded by ARIA.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 2 November 2026 will be considered. Please quote189241 on all correspondence.

Salary (£) : Research Grade 6: Salary in range £35,681 - £37,388 per annum (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).