Research Assistant in Ocular Immunology

University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the United Kingdom is seeking a Research Assistant in Ocular Immunology. The successful candidate will work on a project developing treatments for uveitis while managing research activities and utilizing advanced laboratory techniques. Essential qualifications include a Bachelor’s or Master’s in related life sciences and experience with human tissue handling. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in ocular research.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s in a relevant life-sciences field.
• Experience in handling and processing human tissue in a sterile environment.
• Experience performing studies in in-vivo models of disease and holding an animal licence.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own research and administrative activities.
• Contribute to project planning and represent the research group at external meetings.
• Use specialist scientific equipment for laboratory protocols.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience with human tissue

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s in Immunology, Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry

Tools

Flow Cytometry

qPCR

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant in Ocular Immunology at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology. The post holder will be working on a 3‑year project to explore the role of Keratin 17 in driving uveitis. We are testing new treatments to reduce eye inflammation and developing a cutting‑edge human eye model, constructed in 3D to advance this research. Our goal is to create safer, effective therapies for people suffering from anterior uveitis, reducing the risk of vision loss. You will use both human organoid cultures as well as in‑vivo models of anterior uveitis to establish causal mechanisms.

Responsibilities

You will manage your own research and administrative activities within the guidelines provided by your line manager and contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects. You will use specialist scientific equipment within the laboratory environment for protocols such as Flow Cytometry, qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In this role you will represent the Ocular Immunology research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other group members or alone.

Qualifications

You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (or Master’s) in Immunology, Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or other closely related life‑sciences fields. You will have experience handling and processing human tissue in a sterile environment, performing studies in‑vivo models of disease, and holding an animal licence. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present scientific data at internal lab meetings and represent the group at external conferences is essential. Experience working in a research team and contributing new ideas for new projects is desirable.

Security Checks

• A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check
• University security screening (e.g., identity checks)

Application Details

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 22 December 2025. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Please quote 183402 in all correspondence. Please note, due to departmental closure over the Christmas period, shortlisting and interviews for this position will take place in January 2026.