Research Assistant Part-time NEW

Research Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Rinaldi, Wood and Sanders Groups in the Department of Paediatrics as our Research Assistant. You will play an important role contributing to the development of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for neurodevelopmental disorders. You will manage your own research and administrative activities within guidelines provided by senior colleagues and contribute to the wider planning of research projects.

Your responsibilities will include determining appropriate methodologies to test research hypotheses, selecting, following and adapting experimental protocols, and identifying suitable alternatives when technical challenges arise. You will gather, analyse and present scientific data from a variety of sources and use specialist scientific equipment within a laboratory environment. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and to the presentation of research findings at conferences. Working collaboratively will be an important part of the role, and you will contribute to discussions and share research findings with colleagues at partner institutions and within other research groups.

In addition, you will support the effective running of the laboratory through general laboratory management and administration, including maintaining stocks of laboratory consumables. You may also represent the research group at external meetings and seminars and provide advice and guidance to research students where appropriate.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology. The Rinaldi, Wood and Sanders groups conduct research in the development and translation of genetic medicines, including ASOs.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially 1 year, with the possibility to extend to 2 years or more, provided further external funding is available.

About the department: The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford healthcare and wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

About you: You will hold a first degree together with relevant experience. You will have sufficient specialist knowledge to enable you to contribute effectively within established research programmes. You will have experience of standard molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, sample preparation and cloning, together with experience of following and adapting experimental protocols and selecting appropriate methodologies.

You will be able to manage your own research and administrative activities effectively and will have excellent communication skills. This will include the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly, write text suitable for publication, present data at conferences and represent the research group at meetings. Experience of cell culture, particularly working with stem cell models such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), would be desirable. Experience of contributing to reports and articles for publication, working collaboratively within a research team and contributing ideas for new research projects would also be advantageous.

Application Process: 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. Alyssa Hill, Group Leader – Oligo Biology Drug Development, and Prof. Carlo Rinaldi, Professor of Molecular and Translational Neuroscience.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 26 August 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.