About the role
This is an exciting opportunity in Professor Simon Draper’s research group in the Department of Paediatrics. As a Research Assistant, you will be focusing on the preclinical development of bispecific antibody therapeutics targeting blood-stage malaria. The position will be varied and will contribute in particular to a Gates Foundation-funded project led by Dr Millie Gladstone. Key responsibilities include assisting with sterile cell culture, molecular cloning, protein expression and high-throughput antibody production and characterisation.
You will be supporting the general protein/antibody work within the group, which includes general lab duties (maintaining supplies, consumables and instruments); preparing reagents; cataloguing frozen samples; and some data analysis.
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.
This is a full-time post, on a fixed term contract initially until 31 March 2028, funded by the Gates Foundation in the first instance, with the possibility to extend 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.
Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.
About you
You will be a motivated individual with a relevant degree in the area of biomedical science or a similar related field. Previous experience of sterile cell culture, cloning, protein and antibody production and characterisation would be highly desirable. The position involves supporting the general protein/antibody work within the group, which includes general lab duties (maintaining supplies, consumables and instruments); preparing reagents; cataloguing frozen samples; and some data analysis. You will be highly organised, have good interpersonal skills and be able to interact productively and collaboratively with other team members. Proven experience in a laboratory environment, good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential.
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. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.
The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.
To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dr Millie Gladstone, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Monoclonal Antibody Production and Testing, using the contact details below.
Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Monday 27th July 2026 will be considered. Interviews are planned to be held in either the week commencing 10th or 17th August 2026.
The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.
