About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior Technical Specialist (Microbiology & Immunology) to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), supporting a diverse portfolio of translational vaccine research. Working across multiple clinical and laboratory research programmes, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality microbiology and/or immunology assays that underpin studies aimed at understanding immune responses to vaccination and infection.
The postholder will independently perform and oversee a range of established microbiology and immunology techniques, including bacterial culture, molecular microbiology, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, multiplex immunoassays and functional immune assays. You will be responsible for ensuring assays are delivered consistently to the highest scientific and quality standards, while maintaining accurate laboratory documentation and compliance with biosafety and regulatory requirements.
Working closely with senior scientists and researchers, you will contribute to assay optimisation, troubleshooting and quality improvement, helping to ensure the successful delivery of multiple research projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a laboratory scientist to develop their technical expertise within a collaborative, internationally recognised vaccine research environment.
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 Oxford Vaccine Group is a world-leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development working with a diverse portfolio funded by industry, government and charitable organisations.
This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for two years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.
About the department
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's 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 hold a degree in microbiology, immunology, biological sciences or a related discipline, or have equivalent technical experience, together with significant practical experience of microbiology and/or immunology laboratory techniques. You will have experience performing and troubleshooting complex laboratory assays, maintaining high standards of quality and documentation, and working safely with microbial agents and human biological samples.
You will be highly organised, able to manage your own workload effectively, and have excellent attention to detail. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams are essential. Experience working within regulated laboratory environments or supporting high-throughput research studies would 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. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.
Diversity
Committed to equality and valuing diversity.
To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Professor Daniela Ferreira, using the contact details below.
Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 21 August 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
