Clinical Trials Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Clinical Trials Research Assistant

This is an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Trials Research Assistant in Professor Simon Draper's group, within the Department of Paediatrics, working on development of malaria vaccines. For the last fifteen years the Draper Lab has been conducting Phase Ia and IIa clinical trials to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity, including experimental malaria challenge studies to test vaccine efficacy in UK adults. We are now also collaborating with sites across Africa to deliver Phase Ib and Phase IIb efficacy studies.

The role will primarily involve running quantitative PCR based assays to detect malaria parasite levels in clinical trial samples, including running daily samples to monitor parasite levels in participants during controlled human malaria infection studies. The position would also include support of ongoing clinical trial activities including sample processing, general lab duties (maintaining supplies, consumables and instruments); preparing reagents; cataloguing frozen samples; and some data analysis.

We are looking for a motivated individual with a relevant degree in the area of biomedical science or a similar related field. Previous experience of working with human samples in a laboratory environment and with human sample databases (or similar) is desirable. Practical experience with qPCR, laboratory stock management (or similar), and in Containment Level 3 would be additionally advantageous. This role will require you to be highly organised, and to be able to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with other team members. You will have good interpersonal skills and be able to interact productively and collaboratively with other team members.

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dr Francesca Donnellan at francesca.donnellan@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk. Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 1 September 2026 will be considered. Interviews are likely to be scheduled for 21 September 2026.