About the role
There is an exciting opportunity to join Professor Sarah Blagden’s research group within the Department of Oncology as a Research Assistant in Cancer Precision Prevention.
This post will support the MILI study, which is investigating whether metformin can reduce cancer incidence in people with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a rare inherited condition caused by germline TP53 mutations that confers a very high lifetime risk of developing multiple cancers. The role combines translational laboratory research with clinical-trial sample management and multiomic data analysis, providing an exciting opportunity to contribute to cancer prevention research with direct clinical impact.
You will play a key role in the day-to-day laboratory delivery of the MILI study, including receiving, processing, aliquoting, storing and tracking clinical-trial samples, performing laboratory assays, and maintaining accurate and auditable laboratory documentation. You will also contribute to the smooth running of Professor Blagden's laboratory by supporting routine molecular, cellular and biochemical experiments, preparing reagents, maintaining laboratory stocks and equipment, and assisting with shared laboratory activities.
Your work will include processing human biological samples, mammalian cell culture, nucleic acid and protein extraction, immunoassays, PCR/qPCR, and preparing material for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. In addition, you will contribute to the integration and analysis of phosphoproteomic, RNA sequencing and clinical datasets, working alongside bioinformaticians and collaborators across Oxford Cancer. You will help develop and apply analysis pipelines, undertake statistical analyses of multiomic data, prepare figures, reports and publications, and present findings at laboratory and network meetings. You will also support laboratory management activities, including equipment maintenance, COSHH and risk assessment documentation, sample archiving, and ensuring compliance with research governance and Good Clinical Practice standards.
This is a full-time position offered on a fixed-term basis for one year. The role is based in the Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ.
About you
You will hold a first degree (BSc or equivalent) in life sciences, computational biology or a related discipline, together with relevant practical experience in a wet-laboratory research environment. You will have experience in cancer biology, cancer prevention, TP53 biology or inherited cancer syndromes, alongside demonstrable experience analysing multiomic datasets, including proteomic, phosphoproteomic and/or RNA sequencing data integrated with clinical datasets.
You will be highly organised, self-motivated and able to manage your own workload effectively while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team. Experience handling human biological samples, following written protocols and standard operating procedures, maintaining detailed laboratory records and supporting reproducible data analysis is essential. You will also have excellent communication skills and a commitment to maintaining high standards of research integrity, laboratory safety and data governance.
Experience of mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISpot, PBMC processing, RNA sequencing or proteomic sample preparation, together with proficiency in R or Python and familiarity with standard bioinformatics pipelines, would be advantageous. Previous experience working in a regulated research environment, including knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), and possession of a Personal Licence (PIL A/B) for animal work are also desirable.
What we offer
As an employer, we are committed to supporting employee wellbeing and professional development. Benefits include:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff)
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans
- Membership of a variety of social and sports clubs
Application process
You will be required to upload a supporting statement (setting out how you meet the selection criteria), a CV, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please apply only through the University recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.
All applications must be submitted online via the University of Oxford’s e-recruitment system by 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday, 04th August 2026 to be considered.
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or member of staff will be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Committed to equality and valuing diversity.
