About the role
This is an exciting opportunity in the Department of Paediatrics for a Research Assistant to join the Draper Group to support the ATLAS (Antibody Tracking for Long-term Avoidance and Surveillance) team, a flagship Cancer Grand Challenges programme.
The ATLAS programme, led by Prof Xin Lu at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, brings together multiple research groups across the University to address the cancer avoidance challenge – understanding why some high-risk individuals never develop cancer – by investigating immune-modulating autoantibodies and their role in tumour resistance and immune surveillance.
Working under the supervision of Dr Kirsty McHugh (Department of Paediatrics, based in central Oxford), who leads the programme’s antibody discovery and characterisation workstream, this is a hands-on laboratory-based role focused on high-throughput protein production and antibody discovery pipelines. The successful candidate will have a background in biological or biomedical science, with practical laboratory experience in molecular and/or cellular biology, and will contribute to the generation of key experimental reagents and datasets underpinning the wider ATLAS programme.
You will undertake a range of laboratory and research activities, including protein production, antibody generation, molecular cloning, cell culture, antibody screening assays, sample and data management, and general laboratory operations. You will also contribute to scientific reports, presentations and publications arising from the project and participate in wider project planning activities.
For more information about the Draper Group, visit our website.
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 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.
The post is funded by the Cancer Grand Challenges programme, and is based primarily at the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building in central Oxford, with some travel to the Ludwig Institute to support workflows operating across both locations.
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
We are looking for a motivated individual with a degree in biomedical science or a closely related field. You will have a background in biological or biomedical science, with practical laboratory experience in molecular and/or cellular biology, and will contribute to the generation of key experimental reagents and datasets underpinning the wider ATLAS programme. You will have practical laboratory experience in molecular and/or cellular biology, including protein purification and characterisation, and be able to follow and adapt experimental protocols while maintaining accurate laboratory records. You will be highly organised, have strong attention to detail, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Excellent communication skills and competency in scientific data analysis and reporting 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 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.
To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dr Kirsty McHugh, Senior Research Scientist in Monoclonal Antibody Production & Testing, using the contact details below.
Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Monday 17th August 2026 will be considered. Interviews will likely be held during the first week of September.
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.
